NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Government

Health New Zealand’s New Zealand Health Plan was presented to Parliament this morning.

Developed by Health New Zealand, the plan is a requirement under the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022. 

“The plan outlines how Health New Zealand will deliver on the Government’s health priorities over the period 2024–2027,” Health Minister Simeon Brown says. 

“It sets the direction for how we will improve health outcomes and ensure all New Zealanders can access the care they need, where and when they need it. 

“It gives effect to the Government Policy Statement on Health 2024–2027, with a clear focus on the Government’s five health targets and five mental health targets:  

Health targets: 

faster cancer treatment
improved childhood immunisation
shorter stays in emergency departments
shorter wait times for first specialist assessments
shorter wait times for elective treatment.

Mental health and addiction targets:

faster access to specialist mental health and addiction services
faster access to primary mental health and addiction services
shorter mental health and addiction related stays in emergency departments
increased mental health and addiction workforce development
strengthened focus on prevention and early intervention.

“The plan is focused on achieving the Government’s health targets, ensuring the health system delivers real results for patients and communities. These targets are backed by clear accountability and transparent reporting, so the public can track progress on a regular basis. 

“Reducing wait times is a key priority for the Government. Too many New Zealanders have been left waiting far too long for the care they need. Under the last Government, waitlists ballooned – with the number of Kiwis waiting more than four months for elective procedures like hip, knee, or cataract surgeries increasing by over 2,500 per cent. 

“Health New Zealand is focussed on delivering the Elective Boost programme, which will deliver 21,000 additional procedures over the 2025/2026 year to help clear the backlog of patients needing care.”

The plan also sets out how the Government will grow and support the health workforce; improve clinical leadership with continuous quality improvement and innovation; invest in essential hospital infrastructure; ensure services are delivered more consistently across the country; and strengthen primary care across New Zealand so that people can receive timely, quality care in the community. 

“Our focus is clear: putting patients back at the centre of the health system. We’re building a system that delivers real results, and this plan is a key part of that,” Mr Brown says.  

Source: Privacy Commissioner

5 Aug 2024, 09:00

The European Commission has determined that New Zealand has an adequate level of protection for personal data transferred from the European Union. Essentially ‘adequacy’ says that our legislation isn’t the same as Europe’s, but its outcomes are similar and can be trusted. Read about how the EU determines if a non-EU country has an adequate level of data protection.

Adequacy means that New Zealand is seen as a good place for the world to do business; we have strong privacy protections in our legislation and are an empowered regulator.

It’s good news for trade and ease-of-doing business in the digital age and helps ensure smooth cross-border data transfer.

Why is it important?

Only a small number of countries have achieved EU adequacy status, and this recognition is important for New Zealand in a global business environment. This recognition gives New Zealand has a competitive trade advantage because the EU has formally recognised that our privacy law meets current EU standards. This EU adequacy status allows the unrestricted transfer of European data for processing.

Privacy regulation supports the digital economy, with the Privacy Act being the only statute that requires data security safeguards to be in place; that underpins our relationships with key trading partners, which is crucial for any global operator.

An example of that is New Zealand’s $400 million video and computer games sector, which is enabled by good data protection standards.

How is it monitored?

The Privacy Commissioner and European Commission officials have an agreement for our office to provide six monthly update reports as part of the EU’s ongoing monitoring of our adequacy status.

Media release: NZ is adequate and we couldn’t be happier (January 2024)

Extra for experts: Report on the first review of the functioning of the adequacy decisions adopted pursuant to Article 25(6) of Directive 95/46/EC.

Source: New Zealand Government

Expressions of interest open today for registered nurses wanting to take the next training step in their career to become nurse practitioners, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Too often, patients wait longer than they should to see a health professional. Expanding the nurse practitioner workforce means faster, more consistent care for those who need it most,” Mr Brown says.

“That’s why we’re supporting up to 120 registered nurses each year to become nurse practitioners in primary care.”

Nurse practitioners are highly trained clinicians who can assess, diagnose and treat complex conditions, prescribe medicines, and manage ongoing care.

“In rural communities, nurse practitioners often serve as the lead primary care provider for patients, delivering essential care close to home.

“Nurse practitioners are a vital part of a modern health system. They reduce pressure on GPs, strengthen continuity of care, and help ensure patients are seen sooner and treated faster.

“There are currently 897 nurse practitioners registered in New Zealand, including 339 working in primary care. We’re committed to growing this workforce and enabling more nurses to work in the nurse practitioner advanced scope of practice.”

Next month, primary care scholarships will open for nurses who want to undertake advanced practice education, such as registered nurse prescribing.

Applications are also open for primary care employers to recruit and support up to 400 graduate nurses each year. Funding includes $20,000 for each graduate registered nurse employed by rural primary and community health providers, and $15,000 for those employed by urban providers. 

“This is about backing frontline professionals and making sure every New Zealander can get the care they need, when they need it,” Mr Brown says.

Source: New Zealand Government

Seven reappointments and seven new appointments to eight companies in the State Owned Enterprises portfolio have been made, ensuring these companies are equipped with the skills and expertise necessary to deliver on their commitments to New Zealanders, State Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown says.

“I have made clear that the Government expects a return on investment from our state-owned enterprises, and that like all commercial entities, they need to make commercial decisions that are in the best interest of the company. This requires SOEs to run profitable businesses that set ambitious targets and performance measures and emphasise distributions to shareholders.

“The Government is committed to ensuring our state-owned enterprises have strong leadership in place to navigate both the challenges and opportunities they face. These individuals bring a strong mix of governance expertise, commercial acumen, and stakeholder engagement to their roles, which will help ensure the entities they oversee meet the Government’s expectations,” Mr Brown says

ECNZ and Kordia will benefit from experienced leadership continuity through the reappointments of Victor Wu and Sophie Haslem as the Chairs of ECNZ and Kordia respectively. Victor Wu has successfully guided ECNZ towards its planned wind-up, while Sophie Haslem will continue to oversee Kordia’s strategic transformation, driving improved operational efficiency and enhancing its future resilience.

In addition, Terry Paddy (Airways), Jan Hilder (AsureQuality), Jane Meares (ECNZ), Nicola Riordan and Linda Robertson (Kordia) have all been reappointed to their respective boards with new term start dates of 1 September for Nicola Riordan and 1 November for the remainder.

Seven new directors will bring specific skills to help Hawke’s Bay Airport, Landcorp, MetService, and NZ Post achieve Ministers’ expectations, with terms commencing on 1 August:

• Hawke’s Bay Airport: Megan Allan will bring expertise in financial strategy, operational efficiencies, and stakeholder engagement to enhance the airport’s role as an economic hub for the region.

• Landcorp (Pāmu): The appointments of Angela Dixon, Stu Husband, and Brent Lawgun will focus on driving Landcorp’s performance turnaround. Collectively, they bring experience in agricultural governance, capital management, and iwi engagement, tailored to meet the Government’s expectations for a sharper focus on core farming operations.

• MetService: Janie Elrick and Julian Smith bring complementary skills, with backgrounds in finance, risk management, and customer-centred transformational change. They will add value to the Board as the business amalgamates with NIWA over the medium term.

• NZ Post:  Michelle Henderson, with her commercial acumen and expertise in governance and digital transformation, will support the organisation’s transformation in the postal and logistics sector.

The Government acknowledges and thanks outgoing appointees for their valuable contributions and service.

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  01 August 2025

The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition is a nationwide initiative to raise awareness of the environmental and agricultural damage caused by wild goats.

Running from 1 August to 26 November 2025, the competition encourages hunters and landowners across Aotearoa New Zealand to tackle the growing wild goat population.

Wild goats are prolific breeders and pose a serious threat to native biodiversity and farmland. This competition is a practical and rewarding way for communities to contribute to conservation efforts while enjoying the outdoors.

Already, ten landowners have registered their interest with the competition to get help reducing wild goat numbers on their land. Many are motivated not just by wild goat control, but by the opportunity to support conservation.

Doug Jacobs, an NZDA member, took part in the 2024 competition with a focus on hunting responsibly on private land.

“I put up a light-hearted post on our local rural community Facebook page,” Doug says. “I mentioned the DOC/NZDA National Wild Goat Hunting Competition, my NZDA membership, and the protections that come with it. I also talked about the Landowner Assist process, which helps set clear ground rules between hunters and landowners.”

The Landowner Assist process, developed by NZDA, with input from DOC, Federated Farmers, and Forestry Owners Association, provides a clear framework for safe and respectful hunting on private property. It covers access boundaries, carcass disposal, and meat handling ensuring transparency and trust. Landowners can view the Landowner Assist document online via the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition website to see how it works and what to expect.

Doug’s post caught the attention of a landowner dealing with wild goats crossing over from a neighbouring property. “We met up and went through the Landowner Assist document together,” Doug explains. “We covered where I could hunt, what to do with the carcasses, and how we’d handle the meat. It was all very straightforward.”

The landowner later told Doug that without the professional framework provided by NZDA and the Landowner Assist documentation, they wouldn’t have responded at all. That trust and clarity made all the difference.

Just a week later, Doug had four goat tails to submit for the competition, nine kilograms of salami on the way, and plans for a few hearty curries. “It was a rewarding experience,” he says. “Not just for the meat, but for the connection it built and the contribution to managing a local wild goat problem.”

The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition is about more than just hunting. It’s about protecting native ecosystems, supporting farmers, and encouraging responsible community involvement.

This year, the competition has the private landowner category open again. Landowners who register can be paired with vetted NZDA hunters and go in the draw to win over $3,200 worth of prizes from Bushnell and Hunting & Fishing NZ Ltd.

The hunter categories also have great prizes up for grabs, including gear from Hunting & Fishing NZ, thermal monoculars from Nocpix, a tent from M.I.A, binoculars from Bushnell, freeze dried meals from Real Meals, a wild goat hunt with the NZ Hunter crew, and more. There’s over $70,000 worth of prizes, it’s a great time to get involved.

“We want to see wild goat hunting become a regular feature in the hunting calendar,” says Mike Perry, Wild Animals Manager at DOC.

Thinking of entering this year’s comp? Entries are open from 1 August to 26 November. Whether you’re hunting on public land or teaming up with a local landowner, you never know where it might take you.

The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition is brought to you by the Department of Conservation and the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association. It is supported by Federated Farmers of NZ, Hunting & Fishing NZ, and Te Tari Pūreke Firearms Safety Authority.

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Source: New Zealand Government

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden is consulting on health and safety regulations in the recreation and entertainment sectors to reduce unnecessary compliance pressure, while maintaining safety outcomes.  

“We’re making it easier for recreation providers by making sure only those running genuinely high-risk adventure activities need to meet the stricter safety requirements,” says Ms van Velden.   

“The first proposed change is to amend the definition of ‘adventure activities’ in the Adventure Activities Regulations. The current definition is so broad that it may require low-risk activities to meet compliance standards designed for higher-risk operations.   

“There’s a big difference in the level of risk associated with things like white water rafting and bungy jumping versus a bike ride on one of the New Zealand cycle trails,” says Ms van Velden.   

“I’m proposing this change to ensure only businesses providing higher-risk adventure activities need to meet the stricter higher risk safety requirements. We will be consulting with the sector so that we get the boundary right between high risk and lower risk activities.”   

The second change is to update the Amusement Device Regulations so that only transportable high-risk amusement devices require a permit from local councils.   

“I have heard from local councils who say the regulations are outdated and in need of review.   

“Councils currently permit a wide range of amusement devices regardless of risk. There’s a difference in risk between large Ferris wheels that are frequently dismantled and reinstalled, and small merry-go-rounds or fixed amusement rides that are never moved.   

“This change will streamline the process, such as the use of low-risk amusement devices at the school fair. It will make it easier for communities to put on local events like Guy Fawkes or Easter shows because the operators from the communities don’t have to get local permits from the Councils,” says Ms van Velden.   

“I have also heard from a number of groups that recreational organisations are reluctant to organise volunteer work in the outdoors, like checking traps and pest control or trail maintenance, because of concerns about triggering health and safety liabilities.”   

Social and community groups are having to develop extensive policies and documentation for their volunteer workers, rather than focusing on actions to keep them safe.   

Local authorities are concerned about extensive health and safety obligations for people who spontaneously volunteer and self-organise during emergencies, over which they may not have much control.   

“I will be seeking Cabinet approval to include a provision on clarifying the obligations for volunteer organisations in the Health and Safety Reform Bill that I expect to be introduced later this year.   

“I have asked my officials to consult a wide range of affected groups like the Federated Mountain Clubs, Aotearoa Climbing Access Trust, Department of Conservation, Volunteering NZ, and Local Government NZ.   

“It is important we get the balance right between encouraging voluntary activities that all New Zealanders benefit from, while keeping people safe.   

“By targeting regulation better, we’re helping recreation and entertainment businesses spend less time on paperwork and more time delivering safe, enjoyable experiences,” says Ms van Velden.  

“These changes will save time and costs for businesses and workers as we cut-red-tape to make it easier to do business. When our Kiwi businesses thrive, there are more jobs and lower prices for all New Zealanders.”

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

What started as a ride to campus for a friend has led to a new career path for Herb Kepa (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Pāoa), who recently completed the New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) at EIT Tairāwhiti.

The 56-year-old spent more than three decades working in landscaping and stone masonry before a serious health scare in 2019 forced him to step away from the physical work.

He spent months in hospital with a torn aorta and has since experienced a series of mini strokes, most of them occurring around the end of the year.

No longer able to return to the work he had done most of his life, Herb was unsure what would come next.

“A friend of mine wanted a lift to come in to check out this cooking course. I sat in on it, and then the tutor asked if I wanted to join up too. I said, I’ve got nothing else to do, so why not give it a go. I’ve been there ever since.”

That decision led to four years of study in hospitality. Herb began with the New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 3), followed by a plant-based cookery training scheme, the New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 3), and then the two-year New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4), which he completed last year.

While studying, Herb worked part-time at The Vines Restaurant in Makaraka. He continues to work there, preparing entrees, desserts and breads.

“I’ve always loved cooking, but I never thought I’d be a chef,” he said. “I love my breads. It’s something I enjoy.”

Herb said his background in landscaping helped with the hands-on nature of kitchen work, and that returning to study in his 50s came with some challenges but was well worth it.

“I’ve never been one to study. I’m better with my hands. But this is the first time I’ve actually studied properly.”

He said the tutors were “really good”, especially Maaki Gooding, Karen Johnston and Tony Davis who “helped a lot”.

His advice to others thinking about making a change later in life and studying at EIT is simple.

“If you like food, give it a go. It’s definitely worth it. You’re never too old.”

Assistant Head of School for Tourism and Hospitality at EIT, Nikki Lloyd said the level 4 cookery programme allows students to study while they work, attending class one day a week while working in the industry.

“The ability to learn and earn is a win-win for both student and employer. What students learn in class is put into practice in the workplace, giving them the confidence that is critical to their success. Employers often mention how students grow into key roles in the workplace as a result of their training.”

Chef tutor Tony Davis said Herb’s curiosity with food regularly showed results above expectation.

“The enjoyment he gets from cooking is apparent both in the classroom and the workplace. This combined with his steady work ethic has seen him graduate as one of our top students and now a respected, qualified chef in the workplace.”

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has agreed to increase the probate threshold from $15,000 to $40,000 to save families time and money when accessing assets of deceased loved ones, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“The threshold was last set in 2009 before the implementation of KiwiSaver. Most estates now include KiwiSaver balances well over $15,000, but still have to go through the High Court process. This results in a significant proportion of smaller estates being eaten up in court costs and legal fees. 

“Executors need to be able to distribute lower-value assets, ensuring more of an estate goes to the beneficiaries, helping grieving families. The last thing they need is a costly legal process with extra paperwork to deal with.

“I’m assured $40,000 is still sufficiently low enough to ensure there are still appropriate safeguards through the oversight of the High Court for higher value assets, to ensure against potential dishonesty, fraud, or the deceased person’s wishes not being followed.

“The Ministry undertook targeted consultation with key stakeholders, including the law profession and financial services industry to gain feedback on an appropriate threshold level. 

These changes will come into force on 24 September 2025.

Source: New Zealand Government

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters met with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele in Wellington today, reaffirming New Zealand’s close ties to Solomon Islands. 

“Prime Minister Manele’s visit this week reinforces the deep ties between our two nations stretching back over 150 years.  We discussed the work we are doing together to grow Solomon Islands economy, and PM Manele’s plans for the Pacific Islands Forum, which he will host next month,” Mr Luxon says. 

 “I was particularly pleased to confirm that New Zealand will continue its support over the next 10 years to build on the positive progress Solomon Islands is making in the education and fisheries sectors. 

 “Our long-standing partnership demonstrates New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to Solomon Islands and its people.” 

 Mr Peters welcomed New Zealand’s continued commitment to supporting Solomon Islands’ development.  

 “As we work with our Pacific partners to build a peaceful and prosperous Pacific, New Zealand’s assistance plays a big part in supporting the development of countries like Solomon Islands.  

 “Our continued commitments to Solomon Islands’ education and fisheries sectors will build upon the hard-earned progress made to date for the mutual benefit of both our countries,” Mr Peters says. 

Prime Minister Manele and his delegation also attended a number of business and community engagements in Auckland and Wellington.  

Prime Minister Manele departs New Zealand tomorrow.

Source: New Zealand Government

Legislation to overhaul the public service so it focuses on getting back to basics and delivering value for money to taxpayers has passed its first reading, Public Service Minister Judith Collins says. 

“The Public Service Amendment Bill aims to lift the performance of the public service,” Ms Collins says. 

“It clarifies the purpose of the public service – and the responsibilities of chief executives – while preserving its constitutional role as a politically neutral and professional institution.” 

The bill will: 

• Reinforce merit-based appointments, to attract the widest pool of talent and ensure the best candidates are chosen
• Clarify the responsibilities of public service chief executives, with greater accountability for performance
• Remove the option to automatically reappoint chief executives at the end of their fixed term, to ensure a competitive selection process
• Refocus the public service on supporting the government of the day, while maintaining the core values of political neutrality and free and frank advice
• Remove pay equity, diversity and inclusion provisions, most of which are substantively covered in the Public Service Act or in other laws

“The reforms will ensure the public service is professional, politically neutral and equipped to serve the government of the day – all of which adds up to better outcomes for taxpayers,” Ms Collins says. 

“Taxpayers expect a public service that is capable, impartial, and focused on getting results. These changes will do that.”