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Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden’s Bill seeking to protect players who gamble online by introducing safeguards to the currently unregulated online gambling market in New Zealand, passed its first reading in Parliament today.   

“Currently, New Zealanders can legally access thousands of offshore gambling websites. But the market is unregulated, so there are no player safety standards or oversight of harm minimisation,” says Ms van Velden. 

“My intention with this Bill is to ensure that online gambling is safer for New Zealanders who wish to gamble online to do so. In addition, that companies providing this service contribute to tax revenue and funding the services that treat gambling harm in New Zealand.”  

The Bill allows for up to 15 online gambling licences to be auctioned, with companies applying for a licence needing to meet strict criteria, including having a harm prevention strategy and providing information on their compliance history. 

The Department of Internal Affairs will enforce the new regulatory system, with all costs recovered from fees on licensed gambling companies. Fines of up to $5 million can be applied to companies for breaking the rules. 

“The most important part of this Bill is protecting New Zealanders who enjoy gambling online by introducing robust safety measures for licensed operators. 

“The Bill will now proceed to select committee, and I would encourage interested New Zealanders to have their say when public submissions open,” says Ms van Velden.  

Note to Editors: 

Conditions of holding an online casino licence will include (but are not limited to): 

• A suitable age verification system to prevent gambling by anyone under 18 years
• Contributing 1.24 percent of profits to the Problem Gambling Levy which is used to fund problem gambling support services
• Abiding by strict restrictions on advertising, including not advertising to children. The detailed rules on advertising will be set out in regulations that are currently being developed. 

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

A Queenstown hotel has been fined $22,000 for illegally selling recreationally caught crayfish and failing to keep records.

The Rees Management Limited which trades as The Rees Hotel was sentenced in the Queenstown District Court yesterday for charges under the Fisheries Act 1996 and Fisheries (Recordkeeping) Regulations 1990 following a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries. 

The hotel had been offering a premium experience to guests called The Rees Ultimate Heli Crayfish dining experience which included the illegal sale of recreationally caught crayfish. Guests were invoiced between $4,650 and $7,750 for the total day???s experience. 

Under the Fisheries Act, a commercial fishing permit is required to take any fish for sale.??? Any use of seafood as part of a business??? commercial activities is considered sale under the Act, says Fisheries New Zealand regional manager South Garreth Jay.

“The rules are there for a reason ??? to safeguard the resource for current and future generations, protect the integrity of the fisheries management system, and ensure a level playing field for businesses using seafood as part of their commercial activities. Where we find evidence of people breaking the rules we will investigate and take appropriate action. 

“In this case it is our view the offending persisted despite clear advice being given to the operators involved that the helicopter experience package did not comply with the Fisheries Act.”

The hotel also did not keep required records of the crayfish, making it difficult to quantify the scale of the offending, Mr Jay said.

“We all have a role to play in ensuring the ongoing sustainability of our fisheries. We encourage people to report suspected illegal activity through our free-calling 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 476 224).”

Fisheries New Zealand is also prosecuting another business in relation to the offending. The matter is still before the courts. 

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Source: New Zealand Government

Continuing to address cost of living pressures over the coming months is key as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reveals a fresh set of targeted Government actions in the Q3 Action Plan.

“While it’s still tough out there for too many Kiwis, our Government’s focus on unlocking economic growth is starting to show some promise with key indicators up across the board. Exports are rising, wages are increasing faster than inflation, and growth overall has been strong to start the year. 

“Backing Kiwis to get on top of the cost of living is critical to that pro-growth agenda. It’s not enough for businesses to grow and invest – New Zealanders deserve an economy that works for them, with more competition and lower prices. 

“Whether it’s the cost of food, housing, banking, or energy, we’re taking action in the coming months to drive a better bargain for families across the country. 

“That includes the Government’s next steps to promote supermarket competition, ensuring more families have a shot at lower food prices and more choice. 

“The cost of housing is also a priority, with significant improvements to the RMA enabling more construction in our biggest cities expected to become law. 

“This quarter we’ll also set out rules to enable and unleash open banking in New Zealand which will increase competition, transparency, drive down fees, and help Kiwis get a better deal on their mortgage. 

“The cost of energy is also a focus. Kiwis are paying more for power because of the previous government’s disastrous oil and gas ban. 

“We’re repealing that ban to unleash the energy New Zealand needs to keep the lights on and prevent power prices from skyrocketing in the years to come.  

“Kiwis working hard deserve to be able to get ahead. Our Government is working at pace to make that a reality, with higher economic growth to create jobs and increase wages, and a plan to reduce the cost of living.”

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 15 July 2025
Last updated 15 July 2025

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The Ministry of Education (MoE) invites sector feedback on proposed variations to 2026 funding determinations.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) invites sector feedback on proposed variations to 2026 funding determinations.

Providers have been sent an invitation to participate through DXP Ngā Kete and have until Monday 11 August to provide feedback. 
Why is the Ministry of Education consulting the sector?
Section 423 of the Education and Training Act 2020 (the Act) requires Ministers to consult with any organisation that may be affected by proposed variations to funding determinations within their respective delegations issued under section 419 of the Act. 
The Minister for Vocational Education, Minister for Universities and Minister of Education will consider feedback from affected organisations before deciding whether to proceed with the proposed variations. Any variation to funding determinations following consultation will come into effect on 1 January 2026.
Variations to funding determinations
MoE is consulting on variations to the following nine funding determinations:

Adult and Community Education (ACE)
Delivery at Levels 1 and 2 on the NZQCF (DQ1-2)
Delivery at Levels 3 to 7 (non-degree) on the NZQCF and all industry training (DQ3-7) 
Delivery at Levels 7 (degree) to 10 on the NZQCF (DQ7-10)
English Language Teaching, including Refugee English (ELT) 
Gateway
Literacy and Numeracy Provision, including the Intensive Literacy and Numeracy Fund and the Workplace Literacy and Numeracy Fund (L&N)
Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT)
Youth Guarantee (YG)

For more information, please refer to the Ministry of Education website.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Coalition Government is seeking feedback on a draft Fuel Security Plan that provides a long-term strategy to ensure New Zealanders have reliable access to fuel in times of domestic and global disruption, Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says.

“As a small and remote island nation that imports nearly all of its liquid fuels, New Zealand is vulnerable to supply chain shocks beyond its borders,” Mr Jones says.

“The Government is seeking to improve our fuel resilience and protect our economic wellbeing so our people and businesses can continue to move, work, and grow. New Zealanders are invited to have their say on the plan.”

The plan builds on findings of the 2025 Fuel Security Study by focusing on four key areas:

• Strengthening resilience against global supply disruptions
• Enhancing domestic fuel infrastructure and emergency preparedness
• Supporting the development of domestic low-carbon fuel alternatives
• Managing fuel security during the transition to new energy technologies

“Our recent decision to boost minimum fuel reserves and improve storage locations is prudent given the current global geopolitical environment.

“Fuel security is not just an energy issue — it’s an issue of economic and national resilience. The consequences of inaction are too great. The Fuel Security Plan was a key plank in the New Zealand First-National Coalition Agreement to safeguard our transport and logistics systems and emergency services from any international or domestic disruption,” Mr Jones says.

Public submissions are open from 15 July 2025 to 25 August 2025. Feedback can be provided via the MBIE website: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/have-your-say/draft-fuel-security-plan

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  15 July 2025

Trains Hut is a well-loved, six-bunk hut used regularly by trampers and hunters, reached by a 15 km tramp along the rugged Trains Track. This remote and rewarding backcountry track takes visitors through regenerating native forest, rugged ridgelines, and across several swing bridges.

DOC Ranger Rhydian Lewis, who led the project, says support from the Backcountry Trust allowed the DOC team to expand the scope of work beyond essential repairs.

“Alongside basic maintenance, a new wood burner has been installed, the deck extended, and an L-shaped veranda constructed, all improving comfort and shelter for visitors.”

“Working with the Trust, we were able to go beyond basic maintenance and give Trains Hut the attention it deserved. These upgrades make a big difference, especially for those staying in tough weather conditions,” says Rhydian.

The project is part of the Community Huts Programme, a collaboration between DOC and the Backcountry Trust to support volunteers to care for highly valued backcountry huts and tracks. Announced in January, the $4.2 million dollar boost comes from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).

Renovations were completed in June by a team of five, with a helicopter used to transport materials to the remote location.

Backcountry Trust Manager Rob Brown says the partnership with DOC Whanganui has enabled important work on backcountry places valued by the community.

“As well as this work on Trains Hut, we collaborated to complete much needed maintenance on two of the huts on the Matemateonga Walkway.

“When we get teams of passionate people from DOC and BCT together, we get through a lot of field work in a short amount of time.”

Rhydian says Trains Hut is important to many backcountry explorers.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and expertise to ensuring the hut will continue to serve the next generation of outdoor adventurers. DOC can’t do it alone.”

Waitotara Conservation Area sits to the south-west of Whanganui National Park between Whanganui and Stratford, and features stunning mature rimu, tōtara and northern rātā. Occasional regenerating scrubland and forest is a lingering reminder of failed settlement attempts.

Trains Track is an advanced track which can be heavily impacted by wet conditions, visitors are reminded to carry appropriate gear and be ready for changeable weather. Always check track conditions and hut availability on the DOC website before heading into the backcountry.

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Source: New Zealand Government

The Government’s plan to refocus councils on core services, such as roading, core infrastructure, water, and rubbish, has taken a major step forward with the introduction of the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill to Parliament.

Local Government Minister Simon Watts says the Bill will help restore discipline, transparency and performance across the sector, to the benefit of ratepayers.

“Kiwis are frustrated with rising rates, expanding bureaucracy, and poor value for money. This Bill puts councils back to work on the basics, their core services, so ratepayers see real results for what they pay.”

The Bill is part of the Government’s System Improvements programme, first announced by the Prime Minister in August 2024, and responds directly to public frustration over deteriorating infrastructure, rising rates, and lack of financial focus.

Key reforms in the Bill include: 

• A renewed focus on core services in the statutory purpose of local government by removing the four ‘well-beings’
• A requirement to prioritise core services when managing finances and setting rates
• New financial performance measures for councils, with a requirement for regular public reporting
• Mandatory disclosure of contractor and consultant spending
• Stronger transparency and accountability requirements
• Regulatory relief to reduce unnecessary compliance burdens

“Local government has drifted from their core responsibilities. This Bill draws a line in the sand – focus on the essentials and deliver value for your community,” Mr Watts says.

“This refocusing of our councils will help to deliver better value for money, and ultimately help with addressing the number one issue people are dealing with right now, which is cost of living. 

“I have made it clear that the Government will not support new taxes and revenue tools for local authorities at a time when we believe there is scope for improvement in the value for money New Zealanders receive in return for their rates. 

“To that end, we are working at pace on a rates cap model, and I look forward to providing an update later this year.”

Mr Watts says the Bill is another major milestone in a significant period for local government reform.

Other key developments this week include the second reading of the Local Government (Water Services) Bill, and Ministerial attendance at the Local Government New Zealand conference, where Mr Watts will outline the vision for local government.  

In recent weeks, Mr Watts announced the first City and Regional Deal agreements which will boost local investment and development in three regions, and the establishment of the first water services entity, Selwyn Water Ltd. 

“These changes show we’re not just talking about reform – we’re delivering it. Stronger accountability, clear priorities, better infrastructure delivery – these are central to our vision for local government,” Mr Watts says.

The Government intends to pass the System Improvements Bill, the Local Government (Water Services) Bill, and have the first regional deal in place by the end of 2025. 

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

17 seconds ago

Today the Minister for Vocational Education announced that EIT is one of the Polytechnics which will be standing up as independent institution from January 2026. This is great news for the Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti regions as EIT will have the autonomy once again to make decisions that are best for ākonga and the diverse communities we serve.

For the past three years, EIT has been a business division of Te Pūkenga, which was an amalgamation of 16 Polytechnics and 9 industry training organisations.  

This year, EIT proudly celebrates 50 years of providing education and training to the community. What was originally the Hawke’s Bay Community College first opened its doors in 1975. EIT consolidated itself as the preeminent educational provider on the East Coast when it merged with Tairāwhiti Polytechnic in Gisborne in 2011.  EIT has thrived over the last 50 years, now offering more than 160 postgraduate, degree, diploma and certificate-level programmes.

Glen Harkness, Acting Operations Lead for EIT, is thrilled by the announcement

“We are focused on ensuring we are an institution that is financially viable, academically rigorous, founded on strong and enduring industry engagement and community connections within our region. We will do this by making sure our EIT values are at the heart of what we do. This is to ensure we are fit for purpose in a modern, digital age where our ākonga learn in different ways and have expectations around what we deliver and how we do this.  I want to acknowledge our kaimahi who have been through so much change over the past few years and have stuck at it due to their commitment and passion for our ākonga and communities,” he said.

“We are currently going through a consultation process with kaimahi (staff) to ensure that we are financially viable and can have a long, bright future as an independent organisation.  This may mean some roles are disestablished in the process; however, we are still going through feedback, and no decisions have yet been made”, notes Glen.

“Nothing changes in terms of us continuing to provide quality education and training to our communities. We are looking forward to engaging even more closely with Iwi, Industry, Employers, Schools and other partners as we look towards a bright future as an institution that supports our regions with their workforce needs.”

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst welcomed the announcement, after what has been an incredibly difficult few years for the institution.

“Our region’s leaders have met with the Minister to highlight the importance of EIT to our region. As our only tertiary provider, it has had a strong, functioning model with good governance, and the Te Pūkenga reform process has been very challenging.

“It’s extremely important for our region to have a local provider that gives our people accessible and affordable training opportunities, saving them the costs involved with studying outside the region, while at the same time helping develop a skilled workforce that meets the needs of multiple sectors in our community.

“We look forward to EIT having further opportunities to build on its local leadership in our region.”

Doug Jones, Trust Tairāwhiti Chief Executive, welcomed the announcement.

“It’s positive news that the Government has backed EIT to operate independently and continue delivering quality education and training opportunities,” he said.

“As the regional Economic Development Agency, Trust Tairāwhiti understands the importance of EIT to our region and people in supporting workforce development and addressing future skills challenges. The local institute is also incredibly valuable to our young people, enabling them to stay in the region while completing tertiary training.”

Karla Lee, Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce CEO, said the decision builds on EIT’s strong regional track record.

“EIT has long played a key role in developing a skilled workforce for our region. Returning to local governance strengthens that connection and gives EIT even more flexibility to work alongside businesses, respond to sector needs, and support economic growth across Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti.”

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  14 July 2025

DOC Northern South Island Operations Director Martin Rodd says storm damage to DOC-managed sites is wide-spread and it will take time to understand the full extent across conservation areas and facilities.

As of Monday, the region is still in a state of emergency and people are asked to delay their trips until the tracks have had a chance to dry out, Martin says.

“DOC staff are out assessing tracks and other sites where it’s safe to do so. This will take some time as many roads are closed.”

“The situation is changing rapidly and people should check DOC’s website for up-to-date information about particular huts and tracks.”  

DOC knows about some significant damage already, with the Motueka area seemingly the hardest hit, Martin says.

“In Kahurangi National Park, there’s no access to Flora car park as Graham Valley Rd is closed as a section has been undercut by the river. This closure is expected to be in place for some time. Flora car park is commonly used to access the region’s most popular alpine walks including Wharepapa/Mt Arthur tracks and huts.

“The access road into the Cobb Valley has several large slips across it and is impassable, and access to the Wangapeka is closed by the wider flood response. This means all access roads to the south-eastern part of the Kahurangi are closed.”

Martin says Abel Tasman Coast Track is being assessed as a priority and one section has been temporarily closed.

“Due to cracking on the track, the southern section between Mārahau and Anchorage has been closed for safety while we have a damage assessment done. This will happen in the coming days.

“At the northern end, the access road to Tōtaranui is also closed due to slips.

“We’ve had reports of some small slips, treefall and other minor impacts on other parts of the track which we will tidy up when we can.

“Heaphy Track remains open but there is some minor damage, and anyone using the track once it has dried out should take extra care.”

This was the second major weather event in as many weeks and some DOC sites were already affected, Martin says.

“In the Blenheim region, the Whites Bay campsite and the local tracks remains closed as it suffered significant damage from flooding in late-June.

“Several access roads in the Marlborough Sounds and into the Mount Richmond Forest Park are also closed.”

Martin says staff are working on a plan to repair the track damage where possible, but this will take some time, and there’s currently no timeline or estimate of how much this could cost.

“Our thoughts are with the people and communities affected by this damaging weather event,” Martin says.

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