Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Latest Parliament Headlines
Healthcare Boost Means Seeing A GP, Faster
Monday, 3 March 2025, 4:12 pm | New Zealand Government
“We are taking action to ensure New Zealanders have increased access to more doctors and nurses and more choice of where they can access that healthcare." More >>
Calls To Ditch NCEA Tests Expose A Deficit In School Leadership
Monday, 3 March 2025, 11:26 am | ACT New Zealand
NCEA exists to offer real knowledge and skills, and set real standards – not to give qualifications to everyone. Testing against real standards makes the system accountable, ACT Education spokesperson Laura McClure says. More >>
Govt Urged To Rule Out Any Involvement In AUKUS
Monday, 3 March 2025, 10:36 am | Green Party
Aotearoa must stand on an independent and principled approach to foreign affairs and use that as a platform to promote peace. Christopher Luxon should read the room and rule out joining any part of the AUKUS framework. More >>
PSA Survey Proves Govt’s Cuts Are Hurting Patients
Monday, 3 March 2025, 9:48 am | New Zealand Labour Party
The survey of almost 1300 health workers shows that cuts and hiring freezes result in longer waiting lists and burnt out staff, both of which can contribute to poorer health for patients. More >>
Going For Growth In Exports And Aquaculture
Monday, 3 March 2025, 8:47 am | New Zealand Government
The two ministers have confirmed support for salmon farming which is estimated to create an additional sector wide $500m of salmon exports by 2035. More >>
New Auckland Facility To Support Police Training
Sunday, 2 March 2025, 8:09 am | New Zealand Government
“We want Police to do all that they can to drive recruitment, increase the number of Police and to make our communities safer and that’s exactly what they’re doing,” Associate Police Minister Casey Costello says. More >>
Laws To Keep Firearms Out Of The Wrong Hands Come Into Force
Sunday, 2 March 2025, 7:36 am | New Zealand Government
Minister for Police Mark Mitchell says changes to the Act strengthen the existing FPO regime by sending a strong message that the Government is committed to addressing violent crime and enforcing consequences for gangs. More >>
Congratulations To Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue
Saturday, 1 March 2025, 6:57 pm | New Zealand Government
This was the culmination of the biggest Te Matatini we’ve seen: Fifty-five kapa haka performing with Te Mahau under the watch of Te Kāhui Maunga. More >>
Deregulating For Economic Growth Remains Focus After Year One
Saturday, 1 March 2025, 2:04 pm | New Zealand Government
“It’s clear that now is the time for a significant reset. Many governments over the years have paid lip-service to cutting red tape. This Government is committed to doing something about it,” says Minister for Regulation David Seymour. More >>
Foreign Minister Concludes North Asia Visit
Saturday, 1 March 2025, 5:29 am | New Zealand Government
“North Asia is a dynamic region - and New Zealand is striving to do more with it," says Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters. More >>
PM Concludes Productive Visit To Viet Nam
Saturday, 1 March 2025, 5:19 am | New Zealand Government
Prime Minister Luxon highlighted the growing cooperation between New Zealand and Viet Nam on defence and security issues, in pursuit of a stable and secure Indo-Pacific. More >>
New Zealand And Mongolia Celebrate Practical Cooperation
Friday, 28 February 2025, 9:17 pm | New Zealand Government
Mr Peters’ visit to Ulaanbaatar marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Mongolia - and is the first visit to Mongolia by a New Zealand Foreign Minister since 2013. More >>
Government Levels Another Blow At Kaupapa Māori Education
Friday, 28 February 2025, 6:12 pm | New Zealand Government
The Prime Minister’s actions need to match his words. He cannot say that Te Tiriti is our past, present and future and then undermine the very essence of our founding document with a series of assaults. More >>
More Clarity Needed For Homebuyers
Friday, 28 February 2025, 4:31 pm | New Zealand Labour Party
“If we are truly going to address the housing shortage in this country, it will require a bipartisan approach across numerous Governments. Today’s announcement does build on some of the work Labour was doing,” Labour housing spokesperson Kieran ... More >>
Minister Acknowledges Outgoing Chief Executive
Friday, 28 February 2025, 3:05 pm | New Zealand Government
Since becoming Minister responsible for Pharmac I have been impressed by Sarah’s commitment to focussing Pharmac on its core role of expanding opportunities and access for patients, says Mr Seymour. More >>
Going For Housing Growth: New And Improved Infrastructure Funding And Financing Tools
Friday, 28 February 2025, 2:43 pm | New Zealand Government
The Government’s Going for Housing Growth programme focuses on fixing the fundamentals of our housing crisis: land supply, infrastructure, and incentives for growth More >>
Getting Auckland Moving Again
Friday, 28 February 2025, 1:15 pm | New Zealand Government
Key changes include returning local streets like Weymouth Road from 30km/h to 50km/h, while key arterial roads such as Pakuranga Road will reverse from 50km/h to 60km/h. More >>
Going For Growth: Infrastructure Funding And Financing Act Changes To Enable Flexible Growth
Friday, 28 February 2025, 1:11 pm | New Zealand Government
The IFFA’s primary focus is to facilitate the delivery of infrastructure for housing in a responsive way. Providing for this ‘demand-led’ growth is a key part of Minister Bishop’s ‘Going for Housing Growth’ programme. More >>
Reviewing Legal Aid To Ensure Access To Justice
Friday, 28 February 2025, 1:06 pm | New Zealand Government
The scheme was last reviewed in 2018 and a lot has changed since then. This will provide an opportunity to ensure the scheme is efficient, is of good quality, and promotes access to justice in a way that is sustainable and cost-effective. More >>
Speech To LGNZ Metro, Rural And Provincial Sectors Meeting
Friday, 28 February 2025, 1:04 pm | New Zealand Government
Over the last three decades real house prices in New Zealand increased more than any other OECD country. According to the OECD’s Better Life Index, we also rank 40th out of 41 countries for housing affordability – just in front of the Slovak ... More >>
Community-Based Approaches To Reduce Alcohol Harm
Friday, 28 February 2025, 11:32 am | New Zealand Government
The Government has a clear focus on early intervention and prevention of hazardous alcohol consumption when it can contribute to exacerbating mental health issues. More >>
Jones Heads To World’s Largest Mining Conference
Friday, 28 February 2025, 11:25 am | New Zealand Government
Mr Jones is travelling tomorrow to the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference in Toronto. The annual conference draws 30,000 attendees from 135 countries and is covered by around 400 accredited media companies. More >>
Greens Welcome Pause Of Works At Lake Rotokākahi And Call For Council To Work Constructively With Mana Whenua
Friday, 28 February 2025, 11:09 am | Green Party
The proposed path of the sewerage pipeline past Lake Rotokākahi puts the sacred lake at risk of environmental damage and the desecration of this wāhi tapu. This case is before the Environment Court, and it is only just that works be paused until ... More >>
50,000 Businesses Set To Benefit From eInvoicing
Thursday, 27 February 2025, 4:09 pm | New Zealand Government
“eInvoicing is a game changer for small businesses. With limited cash reserves, a late or unpaid invoice can quickly throw businesses off track and create a domino effect of challenges." More >>
847 Samoans Receive New Zealand Citizenship In Three Months
Thursday, 27 February 2025, 3:18 pm | New Zealand Government
“It’s pleasing to see that people are taking up the opportunity to regain New Zealand citizenship and that the Department of Internal Affairs is promptly processing these applications,” says Ms van Velden. More >>
Backing Farmers To Innovate And Make More Money
Thursday, 27 February 2025, 2:02 pm | New Zealand Government
“Science for Farmers brings leading scientists to the regions to talk directly with farmers about research and innovation that’s already paying dividends on farms around the country,” Mr McClay says. More >>
New AI Diabetes Screening Pilot Programme A Gamechanger For Wait Times
Thursday, 27 February 2025, 12:22 pm | New Zealand Government
The pilot programme will enable technicians from seven general practices in South Auckland to take retinal images of patients living with diabetes, including those who may be waiting for a hospital appointment. More >>
New Disability Data Provides Crucial Insights
Thursday, 27 February 2025, 12:07 pm | New Zealand Government
Today’s survey data, collected following the 2023 Census, identifies 1 in 6 New Zealanders as disabled – that’s around 10 per cent of children (98,000) and 18 per cent of adults (753,000). More >>
Going For Growth: Multi-Million Dollar Benefits Possible For Farmers And Growers
Thursday, 27 February 2025, 11:44 am | New Zealand Government
“HSNO and ACVM products used to manage animals and plants like veterinary medicines and agrichemicals are absolutely critical for farmers and growers. Technological developments in these products can be the difference between surviving, or thriving,” ... More >>
Four-Year Term: A Chance For A More Mature Democracy
Thursday, 27 February 2025, 10:49 am | ACT New Zealand
The legislation is modelled on a draft Bill produced by ACT, and a commitment to advance it to select committee was secured in ACT’s coalition agreement. More >>
Four-Year Term Legislation To Be Introduced
Thursday, 27 February 2025, 10:45 am | New Zealand Government
“As stipulated in the National-Act coalition agreement, the Bill is modelled on the ACT Party’s draft Constitution (Enabling a 4-Year Term) Amendment Bill”, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. More >>
Freedom Camping Certification Extended
Thursday, 27 February 2025, 10:40 am | New Zealand Government
“Following public consultation, we’re extending the certification transition period for private self-contained vehicles out by a year to June 2026. Currently only 23,000 vehicles of the estimated 73,000 have been certified”, Tourism and ... More >>
Drought Conditions Declared Across Taranaki
Thursday, 27 February 2025, 10:33 am | New Zealand Government
“Conditions on the ground are becoming extremely difficult with limited feed and pasture available,” Mr Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. More >>
Speech To LGNZ All-Of-Local-Government Forum
Thursday, 27 February 2025, 10:29 am | New Zealand Government
Moving back to basics means consciously reducing government scope to the bare minimum and avoiding unnecessary intervention in people’s lives. More >>
Creating A Level Playing Field In The Energy Sector
Thursday, 27 February 2025, 8:06 am | New Zealand Government
The EA is proposing a progressive approach to non-discrimination obligations supported by increased monitoring of gentailers’ responses and consumer outcomes. More >>
New Zealand, China Foreign Ministers Meet In Beijing
Thursday, 27 February 2025, 6:26 am | New Zealand Government
The Ministers discussed key issues confronting both countries, as well as recent developments, including the Chinese naval deployment to the Tasman Sea. More >>
PM Announces Major Upgrade To Relationship With Viet Nam
Thursday, 27 February 2025, 6:21 am | New Zealand Government
Strengthening our relationship with Viet Nam is incredibly important to New Zealand’s economic future, with more opportunities for businesses at home to access this crucial market, Mr Luxon says. More >>
Opening Remarks In Meeting With China Foreign Minister
Thursday, 27 February 2025, 6:05 am | New Zealand Government
The New Zealand-China relationship continues to benefit, as you said, from our mutually beneficial and significant trade and economic relationship and the comprehensive, regular two-way exchanges by our people, which are again growing following the COVID-19 ... More >>
Te Matatini Boosts Taranaki Business
Wednesday, 26 February 2025, 3:57 pm | New Zealand Government
The significance of kapa haka to Te Ao Māori is something we value deeply, especially since the rise of the waiata-ā-ringa form with Tā Apirana Ngata. It also gives us the great gift of protecting and revitalising our reo. More >>
Govt Abandons Retailers With Citizen’s Arrests
Wednesday, 26 February 2025, 2:37 pm | New Zealand Labour Party
Turning New Zealand into the wild west is not a crime prevention strategy, it’s dangerous and goes against our values as New Zealanders, Labour justice spokesperson Duncan Webb said. More >>
Big Jump In Overseas Visitor Spend Boosts Tourism
Wednesday, 26 February 2025, 2:29 pm | New Zealand Government
The Tourism Satellite Account released by Stats NZ shows total tourism expenditure in New Zealand of $44.4 billion for the year ending March 2024, an increase of $5.6 billion or 14.6 per cent compared to March 2023. More >>
Rules To Be Eased To Drive Investment In Electricity
Wednesday, 26 February 2025, 2:19 pm | New Zealand Government
Distribution businesses are currently prohibited from owning more than 250 MW of generation connected to Transpower’s national grid, and/or more than 50 MW of generation connected to their own networks unless they operate that generation in a separate ... More >>
More Tools For Businesses To Deal With Retail Crime
Wednesday, 26 February 2025, 2:14 pm | New Zealand Government
The economic cost of retail crime in New Zealand is in the billions, and retailers and security guards face abuse and assault that no New Zealander should be subjected to. About 230,000 New Zealanders work in the retail sector. More >>
Co-Leaders Announce Plans To Launch Green Budget This Year
Wednesday, 26 February 2025, 1:07 pm | Green Party
New Zealanders care about each other and the planet we live on. Our Green Budget will lay out the plan for an economy that respects and protects those things, instead of exhausting and exploiting both, says Green Party co-leader and spokesperson for ... More >>
Clinical Psychology Interns Boost Mental Health Workforce
Wednesday, 26 February 2025, 12:12 pm | New Zealand Government
“While this represents 55 full-time equivalent (FTE) clinical psychology internships as some interns are part-time, we will continue to be ambitious in growing the mental health and addiction workforce. We have committed to growing the number of funded ... More >>
Māori Housing Partnership To Deliver 100 Affordable Rental Homes
Wednesday, 26 February 2025, 11:51 am | New Zealand Government
The partnership with Ka Uruora will see them contribute $26 million into the delivery of these 100 affordable rentals, helping support the many whānau who struggle to pay a market rental.” More >>
Round Two Of Charter School Applications Now Open
Wednesday, 26 February 2025, 10:47 am | New Zealand Government
“Both new schools and state schools wanting to convert to charter school status will now be able to submit their expressions of interest to the Charter School Agency (CSA),” Mr Seymour says. More >>
Pitiful Return On Govt Assets Should See A Re-think
Tuesday, 25 February 2025, 4:25 pm | ACT New Zealand
The government owns $571 billion in assets and nets just $2.2 billion in dividends and rents. That pitiful return becomes a loss once you consider the interest cost of borrowing to fund those assets, CT Finance spokesperson Todd Stephenson said. More >>
Going For Growth: Public Works Act Overhaul
Tuesday, 25 February 2025, 1:15 pm | New Zealand Government
The Public Works Act is the mechanism which empowers us to acquire land for new infrastructure, while ensuring that fair compensation is provided to landowners – but it is no longer fit for purpose,” Land Information Minister Chris Penk says. More >>
Violent Crime Drops For The First Time Since 2018
Tuesday, 25 February 2025, 1:09 pm | New Zealand Government
Police are getting back to basics. Getting Police back out on the beat with 40 per cent more foot patrols, has seen aggravated robberies drop by 8 per cent, and the upward trend around theft in retail premises starting to slow. More >>
Whangārei Hospital Transit Lounge Open To Patients
Tuesday, 25 February 2025, 12:54 pm | New Zealand Government
The Government’s $3.75 million investment into this lounge provides an important space for patients who are medically fit to leave the ward. It helps with their timely discharge while they wait for medication, discharge papers, or transport. More >>
Infrastructure Pipeline Continues To Grow
Tuesday, 25 February 2025, 12:51 pm | New Zealand Government
The Pipeline is managed by the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission and provides a national view of current and future infrastructure projects, from roads, to water infrastructure, to schools, and more. More >>
Social Workers Enabled To Have More Time Helping Children And Young People
Tuesday, 25 February 2025, 12:43 pm | New Zealand Government
Minister Chhour says that the new case management system will help make it faster for records and information to be provided to children and families when they need it, and will help ensure the protection of records in the future. More >>
Refreshed Eating Disorders Strategy Announced During Awareness Week
Tuesday, 25 February 2025, 11:50 am | New Zealand Government
Eating Disorders Awareness Week is an annual campaign to educate the public about the realities of eating disorders and to provide hope and visibility to individuals and loved ones impacted by eating disorders. Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2025 ... More >>
Smoother Path For Great Rides
Tuesday, 25 February 2025, 11:44 am | New Zealand Government
“Together, the 23 Great Rides receive about a million visitors a year, of whom around 20 per cent are international visitors,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. More >>
Multi-Million-Dollar Exotic Caulerpa Control Tool Projects Underway
Tuesday, 25 February 2025, 11:39 am | New Zealand Government
Northland Regional Council has been awarded the largest contract, with $6.2 million to progress its large-scale mechanical suction dredging technique. More >>
Chinese Live Fire: A Wake-Up Call For NZ’s Investment Priorities
Tuesday, 25 February 2025, 11:14 am | ACT New Zealand
“Australia’s defence spending has already surged above 2%, heading to 2.4% by the end of the decade. We need to do our part and work with our friends to effectively direct our investment, so that we can be taken seriously as an ally worth defending”, ... More >>
Millions Spent To Rehash Bad Ideas On Retail Crime
Tuesday, 25 February 2025, 11:09 am | New Zealand Labour Party
“Instead of focusing on real solutions, the Government has wasted millions on an advisory group that took several months to release a report, only to recycle old and bad ideas,” Labour police spokesperson Ginny Andersen said. More >>
Greens Stand In Solidarity With Mana Whenua Of Lake Rotokākahi
Tuesday, 25 February 2025, 11:06 am | Green Party
Tūhourangi and Ngāti Tumatawera have consistently opposed the council bringing the sewerage pipe through their wāhi tapu. For over a year, there have been protests, a hīkoi, and occupation led by mana whenua. It is abhorrent that this is what mana ... More >>
Police Raid Rotokākahi In The Dead Of Night
Tuesday, 25 February 2025, 11:02 am | Te Pati Maori
“This raid is nothing less than a deliberate attack on the rights of tangata whenua, coinciding with a time when our people should be celebrating culture and unity at Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga”, Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi says. More >>
