Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: New Zealand Government

Citizenship wait times have reached a new low under this Government, with continued focus on efficient application processing, Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden announced today.  

“Despite a comparable number of applications over the last three years, wait times for outcomes on citizenship applications has dropped by 72 per cent since Labour was last in Government. The Department has cut average turnaround times to 51 days, down from 180 days in October 2023,” says Ms van Velden.  

“In 2025, we had 51,396 applications for citizenship. There were 51,702 applications in 2024 and 51,803 applications in 2023.  

“People applying for citizenship by grant have already spent a minimum of five years in New Zealand and have already taken steps to build their lives here.  

“It is important that the Government delivers good service and functions efficiently. That is what all people expect when engaging with our Departments and agencies. These numbers show we are focused on fixing what matters.  

“Reducing wait times means people can plan their futures with confidence. It’s about removing stress and adding certainty,” says Ms van Velden  

“I want to thank the citizenship processing teams at the Department for their continued efforts and fantastic service,” says Ms van Velden. 

You can apply for citizenship either online or via the post. For the checklist of everything you need please refer to: Apply for NZ citizenship | New Zealand Government.  

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  13 January 2026

During annual checks of islands in Dusky Sound and Preservation Inlet – areas managed to remain deer-free – three deer were removed: one from Indian Island and two from Anchor Island.

These checks also included surrounding islets, ensuring these islands continue to provide safe, intact habitats for native plants and wildlife.

Anchor Island is one of Fiordland’s most treasured islands, with lush forests that support rare species including the critically endangered kākāpō and kākāriki karaka. Protecting vegetation is critical to maintaining these ecosystems. Anchor Island achieved a wild deer-free status in 2007.

Monty Williams, DOC Project Lead Biodiversity, says, “If left unchecked, even a few deer can quickly rebuild a population – potentially undoing decades of conservation gains”.

“Acting now prevents a far bigger and costlier problem later. This investment secures the islands’ long-term ecological health and ensures Fiordland’s unique biodiversity continues to thrive.”

Removing deer from such remote and rugged locations is hard and expensive work. Anchor and Indian Islands sit deep in Fiordland, accessible only by boat or helicopter. DOC contractors used a combination of aerial hunting with thermal technology and ground hunting to locate and remove the animals. Every step required precision planning to avoid disturbing sensitive habitats and ensure staff safety.

“But the cost of inaction would be far greater – both ecologically and financially. By stepping in early, we’ve avoided repopulation to two of New Zealand’s most important sanctuaries,” says Monty.

“We prioritise keeping areas such as Coal Island, Chalky Island, Anchor Island, Indian Island, Secretary Island, and the Cleddau Valley catchment near Milford Sound wild deer-free as part of our wild animal management within Fiordland National Park.

“New Zealand’s island sanctuaries are internationally recognised as models for species recovery and ecosystem protection. Maintaining a wild deer-free status doesn’t just safeguard wildlife – it demonstrates how targeted, science-led action can contribute to biodiversity protection worldwide.”

A great start to the year for nature – thanks to this effort, Anchor and Indian Islands remain safe havens for native plants and wildlife. It’s a reminder that protecting our wild places takes commitment and timely action.

Want to get involved with some naturing this year? We’ve made it easy for you to find small ways to make a big difference. Do your bit for nature.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Government

A new pilot programme will help small businesses overcome barriers in accessing artificial intelligence tools that boost productivity and unlock growth, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk has announced. 
 
“Artificial intelligence is becoming part of how Kiwis work every day across many industries. It can quickly sort information, answer simple customer questions at any hour, draft and check documents and handle repetitive digital tasks that normally eat into the day,” Mr Penk says.   

“AI has enormous potential to drive economic growth and increase productivity. New Zealand’s Strategy for Artificial Intelligence estimates adopting generative AI alone could add a staggering $76 billion to the New Zealand economy by 2038, which equates to 15 percent of national GDP,” Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Dr Shane Reti says.  

“Small business owners tell me they want to use AI to clear space in their busy schedules, so they can focus on the parts of their business they enjoy, but many are unsure where to start or how to use these tools in a safe and practical way,” Mr Penk says. 

“That’s why the Government is launching the AI Advisory Pilot. This pilot programme will give small business owners practical support from trusted experts so they can confidently use AI tools that lift productivity and help them stay competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. 

“Eligible businesses will receive co-funding of up to 50 percent, capped at $15,000, to develop an AI plan tailored to the needs of their business, workers and customers. With support from experienced specialists, they can then put that plan into action. 

“The pilot programme will run for at least six months through the Regional Business Partner Network for existing RBP customers, ensuring it is well targeted. Participants will be invited to take part from late January. 

“The Regional Business Partner Network is already making a real difference for small-and-medium business owners, whether they’re seeking to strengthen management skills, develop a long-term growth strategy or access funding to support innovation. 

“The network consists of 15 regional service providers around the country with advisors who connect thousands of New Zealand businesses to the right advice, people and resources to help them grow and innovate. 

“Expanding into AI support is a natural next step for the Regional Business Partner Network. The support provided will be able to provide clear guidance on privacy, data management and responsible use, which can feel challenging to navigate with AI still being such a new tool. 

“The pilot will help the Government test whether targeted expert support and step-by-step guidance can accelerate digital adoption and deliver measurable productivity gains, allowing us to understand what success could look like on a larger scale. 

“The Government is committed to creating the right environment and providing the right backing for businesses to thrive, create jobs and lift wages, because when business do well, Kiwis do well.”
 
“Through our AI strategy, the Government is also investing up to $70 million over seven years through the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology to support innovative AI research and applications, develop world-class expertise, and sharpen New Zealand’s competitive edge,” Dr Reti says.   

Notes to editor:  

$765,000 has been initially allocated to the AI Advisory Pilot from within existing MBIE appropriations.
The pilot will run from 19 January 2026 to at least 30 June 2026 and is expected to include a minimum of 51 small-and-medium enterprises.
New Zealand’s Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (2025) can be found here. 

Source: New Zealand Government

Energy Minister Simon Watts says the Government is taking decisive action to ensure Kiwis get a fair deal on electricity by strengthening the Electricity Authority. 

“Kiwis are feeling the pressure of high power bills. The Government is moving quickly to fix this by strengthening the Electricity Authority, which oversees the electricity market and makes sure power companies play by the rules,” Mr Watts says.

“The Government has agreed to amend the Electricity Industry Act to give the Electricity Authority real teeth, providing it with the tools it needs to maintain a fair and competitive market.”

The changes will:

• Increase penalties for serious rule-breaking from a maximum of $2 million to up to $10 million, or three times the commercial gain, or 10% of a company’s turnover.
• Introduce instant infringement fines (up to $2000) for more minor, repeated breaches.
• Improve the Authority’s ability to update rules and monitor the market, thereby boosting competition and protecting consumers.

Higher penalties will be in place in 2027, with the new infringement system starting in 2026. These tools match what the Commerce Commission already uses.

“These changes will mean power companies will face real consequences if they try to take advantage of customers or distort the market,” Mr Watts says.

“New Zealanders struggling with high power bills deserve an electricity market that works for them, not against them. 

“A stronger, more effective regulator will help keep prices fair, encourage competition, and give families and businesses more confidence that they’re not being overcharged.”

The changes come at a crucial time for the energy system as the Government works to tackle high power prices, manage dry-year risk, and ensure the country has a reliable energy supply.

Since announcing the Energy Package in October, the Government has:

• Commenced the first stage of the procurement process for an LNG facility to provide New Zealand wither greater security of supply.
• Assessed new energy projects under the Fast Track Approvals process which will increase supply and unlock investment in new generation.
• Started work on a new regulatory framework to prevent dry-year shortages that drive up prices.

“These steps are about making sure New Zealand has the affordable, abundant, reliable energy our economy needs,” Mr Watts says.

“It’s critical to have strong leadership at the Electricity Authority to ensure it can support the market to deliver abundant and affordable energy.”

The Government has agreed to the appointment of new members to the Electricity Authority Board including: 

• Erik Westergaard as Deputy Chair
• Anthony Baldwin
• Benjamin Bolot
• Murray Parrish

“These appointments bring significant experience across energy markets and industry reform. They will help ensure the Electricity Authority is well equipped to deliver better outcomes for consumers,” Mr Watts says.

“I’d also like to acknowledge and thank the outgoing Chair, Anna Kominik, and outgoing members Lana Stockman and Dr Cristiano Marantes for their service.

“With a stronger regulator, clearer rules, and more investment in energy security, we are laying the foundation for lower prices, more competition, and a more reliable electricity system.

“Our focus is simple: making sure the energy system works for New Zealand households, businesses, and industry.”

Source: Press Release Service

Headline: Top Auckland Web Design Agencies 2026 Review

Kiwi Web Design has released its updated Top Web Design Agencies in Auckland guide for 2026. The independently reviewed list evaluates leading Auckland agencies based on recent work, market activity, and suitability for small and medium-sized businesses. The guide is not sponsored and is intended to help business owners compare web design options more confidently.

The post Top Auckland Web Design Agencies 2026 Review first appeared on PR.co.nz.