Articles for category: Politics

NZ Government

New TAIC Chief Commissioner appointed

David Clarke has been announced as the Chief Commissioner of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC). David Clarke is a barrister specialising in corporate and commercial law and he has over 20 years experience in governance roles in commercial, public and charitable sectors. He also is a current TAIC Commissioner. “I am delighted that David ...

NZ Government

Government secures market access for blueberries to Korea

The Government has secured market access for New Zealand blueberries to Korea, unlocking an estimated $5 million in annual export opportunities for Kiwi growers Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay today announced.  “This is a win for our exporters and builds on our successful removal of $190 million in Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) in the ...

NZ Government

South Pacific Defence Ministers meet in Auckland

Partnership and looking to the future are key themes as Defence Ministers from across the South Pacific discuss regional security challenges in Auckland today, Defence Minister Judith Collins says. The South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) brings together Defence Ministers, Chiefs of Defence and Secretaries of Defence from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, France (New Caledonia), ...

NZ Government

Keytruda, CGMs, and FamilyBoost welcomed

In a triple whammy of good news, 1 October heralds the beginning of the funding of two major health products and a welcome contribution to early childhood fees, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “Keytruda is the first drug to be funded and made available from the $604 million boost we made to Pharmac in June. ...

NZ Government

Children’s Unit opens at Rotorua Hospital

Health Minister Dr Shane Reti today opened the refurbished Children’s Unit at Rotorua Hospital, which will provide young patients and their families in the Lakes District with a safe, comfortable and private space to receive care.  “The opening of this unit is a significant milestone in our commitment to improving the health of our children ...

NZ Government

Minor variations no longer major problem

It is now easier to make small changes to building plans without having to apply for a building consent amendment, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Previously builders who wanted to make a minor change, for example substituting one type of product for another, or changing the layout of a room, often had to ...

NZ Government

New diplomatic appointments

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced seven diplomatic appointments. “Protecting and advancing New Zealand’s interests abroad is an extremely important role for our diplomats,” Mr Peters says.  “We are pleased to announce the appointment of seven senior diplomats to these overseas missions.” The appointments are: Andrew Williams as Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to ...

NZ Government

SuperGold Information Hub live

The first iteration of the SuperGold Information Hub is now on-line, Minister for Seniors Casey Costello announced today. “The SuperGold Hub is an online portal offering up-to-date information on all of the offers available to SuperGold cardholders. “We know the SuperGold card is valued, and most people know its use for free off-peak public transport, ...

NZ Government

New fund to clean up old landfill and dump sites

A new Contaminated Sites and Vulnerable Landfills Fund will help councils and landowners clean up historic landfills and other contaminated sites that are vulnerable to the effects of severe weather, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says.  “This $30 million fund, part of our Q4 Action Plan, increases the Government’s investment in assisting councils and landowners to ...

NZ Government

Increased medicines access welcomed following budget boost

Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed the increased availability of medicines for Kiwis resulting from the Government’s increased investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our Government assumed office, New Zealanders were facing an uncertain ...