Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: New Zealand Government

The move to electronic case files in the Wellington District Court for the Disputes Tribunal was implemented yesterday to deliver faster and more flexible justice, Courts Minister Nicole McKee says.

“Right now, Disputes Tribunal locations across the country still rely on paper case files in a world where nearly every other part of life has moved online,” Mrs McKee says.

“By shifting to electronic files, Tribunal referees and staff will be able to securely access and upload case information from anywhere in New Zealand. That means fewer delays, more flexibility to run hearings remotely, and a system that is better set up for future improvements.

“The Christchurch District Court successfully made the switch on 17 November, with the Auckland Metro Hub soon to follow in February 2026. Lessons learned from these regions will shape the wider rollout of electronic files across the country.

“The changes are a practical example of fixing what matters.

“Many small businesses depend on the Disputes Tribunal to resolve issues quickly and cheaply – whether it’s a contractor waiting to be paid, a supplier dealing with a faulty delivery, or a café owner seeking compensation after property damage.

“Consumers also go to the Tribunal for fair and fast decisions on problems like defective goods, poor workmanship, pricing disputes, damage from car accidents, or boundary issues.

“For many of these people, getting back what they’re owed isn’t just about principle. It can be the difference between staying afloat and shutting their doors. Swift justice helps them move on with their lives and keep their businesses operating.

“Participants can still file claims online or on paper. What changes is the efficiency behind the scenes which will ultimately deliver faster justice for everyone.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston says a new action-focused disability strategy will be a lever to drive positive change.  

The New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026-2030 released today includes a refreshed vision and principles to guide work affecting the lives of disabled people. It also features goals and actions in education, employment, health, housing and justice. 

“This strategy shows what the Government will do over the next five years through meaningful, measurable actions to improve the lives of disabled people,” Louise Upston says. 

“This is our country’s third disability strategy. While much has already been achieved, disabled people still face barriers preventing them from thriving and leading full lives. 

“Today’s strategy is an important – but not the only – lever for driving positive change for the disabled community. 

“I look forward to seeing improvements in the lives of disabled people, their family and whānau as its actions are implemented.” 

In employment, the strategy includes actions to assist disabled people to have meaningful work and careers. They include providing employers with resources and guidance, and the expectation government departments will lead by example. 

In health, it emphasises making the system more accessible and inclusive, and normalising tools for self-determination and supported decision-making. 

In housing, the Government will develop and consult on clear definitions for what makes a home accessible. There will also be a review of the social housing system to help it better meet the needs of disabled people. 

In justice, actions include early intervention to reduce the number of disabled children and young people entering the youth justice system and developing a framework to safeguard disabled people in long-term detention and DSS funded residential facilities. 

In education, early intervention to identify children’s learning needs sooner are highlighted, as well as finding new ways to reduce wait times for specialist learning support. 

As part of its own strategic intentions, the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha is working to improve accessibility for disabled people. 

The new strategy will also assist in progressing 14 of the 17 remaining recommendations, made by the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which the Government agreed to consider through the refresh of the strategy. A further two of these recommendations will be progressed through work outside the strategy.  

Of the 63 recommendations made by the UN Committee in 2022, 46 are now being progressed by work already underway or will be implemented through the strategy. 

Whaikaha will report annually to Parliament on progress against the strategy and will be measuring its impact. 

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s new Tertiary Education Strategy will ensure providers deliver the skills, knowledge, and opportunities students need to build strong careers and contribute to a more productive, competitive economy, say Universities Minister Dr Shane Reti and Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds. 

The new Strategy provides clearer and more deliberate direction for the tertiary system, deepening its focus on employment outcomes, innovation, and supporting learners to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Dr Reti says the Strategy represents a refocus on what matters most for learners and the country.

“The previous Government’s strategy lacked sufficient emphasis on employment outcomes, career development, and the skills and research capabilities needed for a productive, future-focused economy.

“This Government is putting results at the centre. This new Tertiary Education Strategy is about developing the workforce New Zealand needs to grow and delivering research and innovation that create real value for our communities and our economy.”

The Strategy sets five priorities:

• Achievement – Ensuring learners gain skills that lead to strong careers and economic security.
• Economic Impact and Innovation – Delivering adaptable skills and research that drive productivity and commercialisation.
• Access and Participation – Supporting people from all backgrounds to gain relevant skills throughout their lives.
• Integration and Collaboration – Strengthening partnerships between providers, employers, iwi, and communities.
• International Education – Growing international student numbers and global engagement.

Dr Reti noted that the Strategy is aligned with wider reforms to strengthen universities and the Science, Innovation and Technology system, ensuring the sector is better connected to national priorities and economic needs.

Ms Simmonds says the redesign of vocational education will further support students to access high-quality, relevant training.

“The redesign ensures vocational education is more responsive to regional and industry needs – a key focus of the Strategy,” Ms Simmonds says.

Te Pūkenga is being replaced by regional polytechnics, and Workforce Development Councils by Industry Skills Boards.

“The Strategy also reinforces the importance of foundation education and work experience for young people at risk of long-term poor employment outcomes. We cannot afford to leave them behind,” Ms Simmonds says.

“A good education is essential to prosperity and quality of life. This Government wants all New Zealanders to realise their potential and contribute to our country’s success.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds has confirmed the ministerial appointments to the eight new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs). These appointments begin immediately, as the ISBs are now formally established through the Orders in Council.

“These high-calibre appointees bring deep industry knowledge, governance capability, and a commitment to supporting a vocational education system that delivers the skilled workforce New Zealand needs,” Ms Simmonds says.

Each ISB is made up of six industry-nominated members and two ministerial appointments, who have also been nominated by industry, reflecting a strong emphasis on industry leadership supported by experienced governance. 

To ensure continuity, each ISB includes one ministerial appointment with a three-year term and one with a four-year term, so not all appointments fall due at the same time.

The ISB ministerial appointees are:

Construction & Specialist Trades: Gregory Wallace, Tina Wieczorek.
Education, Health & Community: Dr Vanessa Caldwell, Stewart Eadie.
Electrotechnology & IT: Ross Beal, Kingi Wetere.
Energy & Infrastructure: Wayne Scott, Andrea O’Brien.
Food & Fibre: Christopher Lewis, William Beetham.
Manufacturing & Engineering: Nathan Busch, Dr James Neale.
Services: Russell Clements, John Fiso.
Transport: Shaun Johnson, Suhail Sequeria.

Ms Simmonds says the ISBs, which replace the former Workforce Development Councils, will set standards, shape qualifications, endorse programmes, and ensure vocational training stays aligned with employer expectations and workforce needs.

“The ISBs reflect the industries they represent and will help ensure New Zealanders gain the practical, trusted qualifications that industry relies on,” she says.

“We’re building a modern, connected work-based learning system that supports quality jobs and drives the economic growth powering New Zealand’s future.

“I want to thank all appointees for their willingness to serve and the contribution they will make to the future of vocational education and training.”

For further information visit: Industry Skills Boards | Tertiary Education Commission

Source: New Zealand Government

Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds has announced the ministerial appointments to the inaugural governing councils of New Zealand’s ten re-established polytechnics, marking a milestone in returning decision-making and accountability to the regions.

“I am pleased to confirm these appointments, which restore local leadership and strengthen connections with communities and industries,” Ms Simmonds says.

The polytechnic council ministerial appointees are:

Ara: Hugh Lindo, Chair; Michael Rondel, Deputy Chair; Rick Hellings, Member; Andrea Leslie, Member.
EIT: David Pearson, Chair; Chris Collins, Deputy Chair; Tam Jex-Blake, Member; Kerry Marshall, Member.
MIT and Unitec: Alastair Bell, Chair; Simon Harding, Deputy Chair; Ward Kamo, Member; Professor Sharon Brownie, Member.
NMIT: Tony Gray, Chair; Sarah-Jane Weir, Deputy Chair; Lynette Rayner, Member; Lester Binns, Member.
Open Polytechnic: Darren Linton, Chair; Dr Neil Barns, Deputy Chair; Maea Puriri-Pivac, Member.
Otago Polytechnic: John Gallaher, Chair; Rowena Davenport, Deputy Chair; Michael Collins, Member; Scott Mason, Member.
SIT: Rex Chapman, Chair; Maree Howden, Deputy Chair; Chris Ramsay, Member.
Toi Ohomai: Deryck Shaw, Chair; Christa George, Deputy Chair; Roana Bennett, Member; Leith Comer, Member.
UCOL: Leanne Southey, Chair; Troy Hobson, Deputy Chair; Dr Pim Borren, Member; Ian McKelvie, Member.
Wintec: Sheree Ryan, Chair; Ken Williamson, Deputy Chair; Sarah Morton-Johnson, Member; Edgar Wilson, Member.

The ministerial appointments begin immediately, with the Orders in Council establishing the polytechnics now in effect. To avoid all appointments expiring at the same time, councils have a combination of two-, three-, and four-year terms, in line with their individual constitutions. Each council includes three or four ministerial appointments.

“This marks a clear shift from centralised decision-making to a system where regional voices lead, creating stronger, more resilient, and community-connected polytechnics,” Ms Simmonds says. 

“With these appointments, our polytechnics now have the ability to respond quickly to local and industry needs, deliver practical skills, and provide meaningful jobs for learners.”

The return to regional governance empowers communities and industries to have a stronger voice in shaping vocational education. These appointments are a key step in rebuilding a vocational education system that is locally led, industry-aligned, and accountable, ensuring polytechnics can deliver real value to learners, employers, and regional New Zealand.

“I thank all appointees for stepping into these vital roles. Their expertise will help ensure our polytechnics remain responsive, future focused, and connected to the needs of their communities,” Ms Simmonds says.

For further information on the appointments, visit: Establishment of new polytechnics | Tertiary Education Commission