NZ Engine

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The Pastoral Sector Group (PSG) has held its first meeting, discussing farm emissions.

The group consists of Agriculture, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts, and Chairs and CEOs from: Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand, Dairy NZ, Deer Industry New Zealand, Federated Farmers, and the Meat Industry Association.

Pasture Sector

Sector representatives contributed perspectives on the current state of the industry and a desire to work constructively toward a positive outcome for the rural sector.

They underlined the significant effort made by farmers to date. 

They stressed the need for any consideration of emissions reduction to be based upon science and to be solutions driven. 

They stressed the need to revise the domestic methane target based on the principle of no additional warming. 

They stressed the need for any solutions to be affordable for farmers; and for the need to avoid imposing costs upon industry and government. 

They voiced concerns about the effects afforestation was having on the pastoral sector and welcomed the Government’s recent announcement to restrict farm to forest conversions. 

They raised concerns about the negative impact that a price on agricultural emissions would have on production. 

They stressed the need for certainty and time for the primary sector.

Government

Ministers reiterated that this group was to allow the sector to provide their views to government directly and to engage in a respectful dialogue.

Ministers thanked the primary sector for their significant contribution to New Zealand, and in particular, the importance of a strong primary sector to the New Zealand economy.

They stressed that the PSG was an opportunity to talk openly and that it was not a decision-making body.

The members of the group agreed that New Zealand farmers are among the world’s most carbon-efficient food producers and were willing to do their part for New Zealand’s overall commitment to reduce emissions.

Ministers confirmed the following:

1. That the Government has removed agriculture from the Emissions Trading Scheme.
2. That the Government has disbanded He Waka Eka Noa.
3. That the Government is committed to a split gas approach.
4. That the Government commissioned an independent scientific review on the role of biogenic methane against additional warming.
5. That the Government will pass legislation this year to implement its decision of 4 December 2024 to restrict full farm to forest conversions.
6. That the Government is committed to meeting New Zealand’s climate obligations without closing down farms or sending jobs and production overseas.
7. That all decisions in respect to farm emissions will be informed by accepted science.
8. That the Government is mindful of the impact of costs related to emissions reduction on farmers; and the implications that cost could have for production.
9. That a revised 2050 biogenic methane target will be set this year.
10. That the Government is committed to the use of science and innovation to reduce emissions, not reducing on farm production.
11. That it is for New Zealand to decide how to reduce emissions.
12. That New Zealand has climate change obligations under some trade agreements and that the Government will be guided by domestic considerations and interests including those of New Zealand producers and the economy.
13. The Government currently has a plan that shows New Zealand can meet its obligations while growing the economy and without closing down farms or sending production or jobs overseas.
14. That the Government will continue to build confidence in the primary sector.

The PSG will meet again next month.

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

New legislation to deter foreign interference and protect New Zealand’s national interests and national security will be in place for operators of ground-based space infrastructure (GBSI) by July, Space Minister Judith Collins said today.

“As I announced last year, we’re taking action to support New Zealand’s interest in the safe, secure and responsible use of space and stop any attempts by foreign entities that do not share our values or interests,” Ms Collins says.

“A new regulatory regime will start in July to deter foreign interference in New Zealand’s infrastructure that carry out tracking and control of spacecraft, space surveillance and the transfer of data to and from spacecraft.

“During the past five years there have been several deceptive efforts by foreign actors to establish and/or use GBSI in New Zealand to harm our national security.

“They have deliberately disguised their affiliations to foreign militaries and mis-represented their intentions.

“To date these risks have been managed through non-regulatory measures, including relying on the goodwill of GBSI operators. These measures are no longer enough.

“The introduction of this new regime will serve as a deterrent. It sends a very clear message that we take our national security seriously, and we will act if we suspect that it is under threat.”

The regime will be rolled out in two stages, with some measures to stop malicious activity available as soon as the legislation comes into effect in July.

Following this, regulations will be put in place setting out detailed requirements for GBSI registration, including for protective security and due diligence systems which in-scope GBSI operators will need to implement. Once the new regulations are in place later this year, there will be a transition period until 1 March 2026 for operators to implement the necessary systems for successful registration.

“The regime will apply to all in-scope operators in New Zealand, including those operating the infrastructure established prior to the regime coming into effect,” Ms Collins says.

“It will be an offence to ignore the requirements of the regulatory regime, and could lead to the seizure of equipment, a $50,000 fine and/or up to one year in jail for an individual, and a fine up to $250,000 for an entity.”

The regulatory regime targets the following GBSI activities and will apply to existing operators in New Zealand:

• Telemetry, tracking and control (including capability that could degrade or disrupt satellite operations) of spacecraft (including, for example, geodetic infrastructure);
• space surveillance and identification of spacecraft; and
• satellite data reception.

Widespread consumer products such as satellite telephones, satellite television or internet receiving dishes will be excluded.

MBIE will act as the regulator of the regime, with the Minister for Space as the decision maker.

The regulatory regime will be included in an Outer Space High Altitude Activities Amendment Bill.

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Partnership with industry has been key to the successful eradication of high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at a large commercial egg farm in Otago, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has now lifted the strict biosecurity controls that have been in place at Mainland’s Hillgrove property since the HPAI H7N6 strain was confirmed there in December last year – allowing the farm to begin repopulating.

“Rapid action on behalf of the farmer and MPI to stand up a response and restrict movements paid off. Tracing did not detect any HPAI-infected chickens beyond the farm where the disease originated.

“That has meant, with the focus of the response, along with support and expertise of the wider poultry industry, we have been able to quickly contain and stamp out this disease,” says Mr Hoggard.

“It has been important work, because New Zealand’s robust biosecurity system and the relative freedom from pests and disease that it protects play a massive part in our farmers’ competitive advantage.”

Andrew Hoggard says all the work that has been going in to prepare for the possible arrival of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza that has led to millions of bird deaths overseas, put New Zealand in a good position to deal with the less virulent H7N6 strain found on the farm.

“This was the first detection of HPAI in New Zealand and it tested some of the plans that are being developed for the arrival of HPAI H5N1. It certainly provides a timely reminder that all New Zealanders have a role to play in being prepared and that is through strong biosecurity as an essential first line of defence.

“Our geographic isolation has protected us from H5N1 to date, but we can’t afford to be complacent.”

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The Government has agreed on a new scheme allowing trusted builders to sign off their own work and will set a mandatory target to tackle building inspection wait times, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has announced.

“Making it easier and more affordable to build opens the door to homeownership for more Kiwis, gives families choice about where they live, and supports growth and job creation in the construction sector,” Mr Penk says.

“We can’t achieve this vision while the building consent system remains slow and overloaded. Even simple, single-storey homes must go through around 12 inspections before they’re finished, with costly delays when demand is high.

“At a time when many Kiwis are locked out of the housing market, that’s simply not good enough.

“The Government is committed to making the building system more efficient and Cabinet has now agreed to an opt-in self-certification scheme, which will allow approved building firms, plumbers, and drainlayers to sign off their own work.

“Reputable building companies delivering large numbers of near-identical houses each year will be able to proceed without the need for Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) to approve a building consent and carry out inspections.

“Giving qualified plumbers and drainlayers the ability to self-certify their work puts them on equal footing with electricians and gasfitters, who’ve had that flexibility for years. It’s a common-sense change backed by Master Plumbers and delivers on a National Party campaign promise.

“Kiwis should have confidence that their homes are built to a high standard. That’s why only proven professionals who meet strict criteria will be eligible for the scheme – and only for simple residential dwellings.

“Initially these changes are expected to see around 3,000 homes built each year without delays from approvals or inspections. BCAs will be freed up to focus on high-risk, complex builds instead of being bogged down by simple homes.

“In addition, the Government will require BCAs complete 80 percent of building inspections within three working days.

“Master Builders have welcomed this announcement as a meaningful step toward reducing inspection delays. We regularly hear from builders frustrated by the disruption to project timelines and the uncertainty it creates for homeowners.

“Wait times sometimes stretch up to a week – having a knock-on effect which can add about $400 for every day a project is held up.

“Updated guidance will be issued to BCAs, outlining practical strategies to boost efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and help authorities better prioritise their workloads.”

“BCAs success in meeting the target will be shown in quarterly performance data – giving the public greater transparency and encouraging improved performance.

“By backing skilled professionals and focusing council resources, we can cut building costs without sacrificing quality – delivering more affordable homes for Kiwi families.”

Inspection targets will come into force later this year and legislation to enable the self-certification scheme will be introduced by the end of 2025.

Notes to editors:

• The self-certification scheme will be a voluntary, opt-in measure enabled by changes to the Building Act 2004 and the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006.
• There will be two self-certification pathways available under the scheme:
  • An opt-in self-certification scheme for house builders carrying out work on an entire simple residential dwelling (including design and construction).
  • An opt-in self-certification scheme for plumbers and drainlayers carrying out work on a simple residential dwelling.
• The definition of an eligible simple residential dwelling will be set down in regulation, following industry consultation.
• BCAs will still be required to provide a nominal consent for entire simple homes where trusted building professionals are self-certifying their work.

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

New Zealand and the Philippines will this week sign an agreement to enable the two countries’ militaries to work more closely, Defence Minister Judith Collins says.

Ms Collins will travel to the Philippines today to sign the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, which highlights the importance New Zealand places on working closely with our partners, she says.

“It formally sets the legal framework for engagement between our respective militaries, better facilitating ongoing cooperation, activities and exercises in each of our territories.

“The agreement follows a commitment made by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr during Mr Luxon’s visit to Manila last year.”

It will now undergo a final ratification process in the Philippine Senate. 

While in the Philippines, Ms Collins will meet with the President and hold a bilateral meeting with counterpart Gilberto Teodoro, the Secretary of National Defense.

“We are committed to reinvigorating our security relationships, to playing our part, and working with regional partners such as the Philippines to uphold the international rules-based order,” Ms Collins says.

Ms Collins returns to New Zealand on 2 May.

Notes to editors:

• The Status of Visiting Forces Agreement is a treaty-level document that sets out the legal conditions for military cooperation between our countries, including the responsibilities and obligations on both sides.
• This agreement with the Philippines builds on two previous agreements that provide for practical defence cooperation, the Mutual Logistics Supporting Arrangement (2024) and the Defence Cooperation Arrangement (2012).
• New Zealand has a number of similar agreements, the most recent being one signed with Fiji in 2023.

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The Government is backing New Zealand’s teaching workforce by funding teacher registrations and practising certificates, acknowledging the vital role educators play in driving positive change in classrooms.

“We know the most important aspect of a child’s education is the quality of the teacher in front of them. Teachers have stepped up to implement our ambitious reform programme that’s delivering real change in the classroom. They are teaching a new world-leading curriculum as well as embracing structured approaches to literacy and maths to ensure better outcomes for our children. They are supporting students to gain vital secondary qualifications that will prepare them for the future. This initiative is a direct recognition of the ongoing hard work, dedication, and professionalism of teachers across the country,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

The Government has committed funding of $53 million in Budget 2025 to cover fees through to 2028, including any increases the Teaching Council may implement through their current fee review.  

From July 1, teachers will save up to $550 when applying for registration or renewing their practising certificate. This initiative will benefit around 40,000 fulltime and part time school and early learning teachers in the first year of funding and approximately 115,000 across the three years. 

“As we work to raise standards and restore trust in the education system, it is important that we support the teaching workforce leading this reform. The Government has promised to remove this cost, and we have delivered”.

Since coming into office, the Government has introduced and maintained many initiatives to attract and retain teachers:

• Doubled the numbers of paid School Onsite Training Programme places to 1200, paying out $21,500 for each place, through Budget 2024
• Supporting 352 teachers to return to the classroom since October 2024 by covering the costs of their practising certificates or limited authority to teach fees (LAT)
• Ongoing marketing campaigns, in NZ and overseas, that are focussed on attracting increasing numbers of teachers to teaching in NZ
• Added primary and secondary teachers to the straight to residence pathway on the Green List with 1400 teachers arriving from overseas in 2024
• Continued to fund relocation packages of up to $10,000 for qualified teachers who are overseas to move to New Zealand with 891 teachers supported in 2024.
• Continued to fund more than 400 scholarships to encourage in to, and support people through, teacher training.
• Supported 130 beginning or returning teachers through the BeTTER Jobs Programme in the 2024/2025.
• Funded ongoing targeted marketing campaigns that have seen approximately 2,000 newly graduated teachers join the workforce this year.

“This Government is determined to raise achievement and close the equity gap so all children get an equal chance to thrive. Enabling more teachers to do what they do best in the classroom is another step to achieving this,” Ms Stanford says.

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

There are few battlegrounds as ingrained in New Zealand’s history and identity as this place. The very name “Chunuk Bair”, like the name, “Gallipoli” resonates with New Zealanders at home, so very, very far away.

The thousands of our men who spilled blood on this soil mean a part of our country is forever part of this land, too.

At the time, this battle was the culmination of months of fighting for those men.

Many would not have ventured much beyond their hometown at the ‘uttermost ends of the earth’ before arriving here at the start of the Gallipoli campaign.

In the dawn light, they would have seen the ridges and gullies rise and drop along the coastline.

They would have seen this place – the highest point in view – and known it would be crucial to the campaign.

Some would have thought it looked a bit like home.

But for them and for all who joined this battle, it was closer to hell.

Some 16,000 New Zealanders came ashore over those months, 110 years ago.

They fought in unspeakable conditions from trenches that still scar this peninsula.

When Lieutenant Colonel William Malone led the Wellington Battalion to seize this summit before dawn on the 8^th of August 1915, days of horror followed.

Under a scorching sun, they clashed with waves of charging Ottoman Turks. William Malone was killed that afternoon.

The Wellington Battalion was joined by men from the Auckland Mounted Rifles, before being replaced by the Otago Battalion and the Wellington Mounted Rifles.

For two days, they clung to this summit before being overwhelmed early on the 10^th of August.

The losses on both sides were immense. 

An Australian war correspondent wrote, “of the 760 of the Wellington Infantry Battalion who had captured the height that morning, there came out only 70 unwounded or slightly wounded men.”

“Not one had dreamed of leaving his post.”

“They could only talk in whispers. Their eyes were sunken. Their knees trembled.”

The other battalions faced similar losses. Only 22 of the 288 Auckland Mounted Rifles remained.

They say that truth is the first casualty of war and the true horror of this battle was not reflected by the newspapers back home at the time.

Stories were headlined “our boys win new glory,” and “splendid progress made” in the days following Chunuk Bair.

A letter Colonel Malone wrote to a friend was published with the announcement of his death.

“I love these men of mine,” he said.

“Heroes all – as brave as brave can be.”

“Hardy, enduring, patient, cheerful, clever soldiers.”

“New Zealand has reason to be proud of her sons.”

And Turkiye has reason to be proud of its sons too.

They defended this hilltop and their country and gave their lives to do so. 

Too many sons of New Zealand, of Turkiye and of other countries breathed their last breath on this ground and in the battles that raged below it.

The circumstances in which our two nations’ bonds were forged are nightmarish, but we owe it to the fallen to learn from their sacrifice.

Politicians in New Zealand walk past a painting of Chunuk Bair as we enter our debating chamber.

Inside, a plaque bearing Gallipoli’s name hangs above us.

And a few hundred steps away from our Parliament sits a stone from this very memorial.

Reminders like these speak not just of the horrors of war that took place here, but of the need for enduring peace everywhere.

Many New Zealanders come to this place to honour our fallen.

We show by our presence that we have made good on our promise: One hundred and 10 years on, we do remember them. 

And the people of Turkiye remember their own sons and the great courage with which they defended their country.

Today – and on all days – we acknowledge their sacrifice.

Heroes all – as brave as brave can be

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Associate Education Minister David Seymour is calling on local leaders to join the Government in driving up school attendance, citing it as a foundation for community and national success.

Seymour has written to all mayors across New Zealand urging them to use the Government’s new daily school attendance dashboard to raise awareness and spark local action.

“I’m calling on mayors to be champions for education in their regions. When students go to school, communities are stronger and better prepared for generations to come,” says Mr Seymour.

“The dashboard provides region-specific data. For instance, the Mayor of Southland is able to see their region recorded an 89% attendance rate on the last Monday of Term 1.

“This is a tool for action, local leaders can now see how their region is doing at a glance, and lead the change they want to see.

“Every day a child misses school is a day they miss out on opportunities to learn, to grow, and to succeed.

In the letter, Seymour encourages local councils to:

• Check out the dashboard and how your region compares with other parts of New Zealand. Encourage others in your community to engage with this dashboard.
• Lead a conversation with your community around how they can support schools to improve attendance. Even small steps like encouraging local businesses to be aware that school-aged children should be at school during school hours is helpful.
• Amplify the message that school is helping our young people achieve better outcomes.
• Let us know what’s working, or not working, in your community, to get young people in school.

In Term 4 of 2024, 58.1% of students attended school regularly, up from 53% in Term 4 of 2023 — a 5.1 percentage point rise. Every region saw an increase on the year prior.

“Attending school is the first step towards achieving positive educational outcomes. Positive educational outcomes lead to better health, higher incomes, better job stability and greater participation within communities. These are opportunities that every student deserves,” says Mr Seymour.

“I encourage students, parents, and educators to prioritise education. That is what this Government is doing, and it is what is required for New Zealand to have a better future.”

Attendance data can be found here Attendance | Education Counts 

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Minister for Trade and Investment Hon Todd McClay will today welcome Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, His Excellency Eng Abdulrahman A. AlFadley, to New Zealand. 

Minister AlFadley is leading a delegation of more than 35 senior Saudi officials and business people to Auckland for the 9th New Zealand–Saudi Arabia Joint Ministerial Commission—a key platform for advancing trade and economic ties between the two countries.

“The hosting of this Joint Commission in New Zealand reflects the strong momentum in our relationship with Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf region, particularly following the successful conclusion of negotiations for the New Zealand-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement late last year,” Mr McClay says.

“In a time of global uncertainty, the Government is focused on opening doors for Kiwi exporters and providing greater certainty for New Zealand businesses.

lf’s largest economy and one of our top export markets, with exports reaching $1.14 billion last year, Saudi Arabia presents significant opportunities for Kiwi businesses through the NZ-GCC FTA.”

Alongside the Commission, the Ministers will participate in business outreach focused on agriculture, technology, and digital innovation.

“This visit provides a valuable opportunity to profile world-class Kiwi exporters and highlight investment opportunities in New Zealand’s fast-growing tech sectors,” Mr McClay says.

The Joint Ministerial Commission and business programme will run from 28–30 April in Auckland.

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey is pleased to announce today that the Women’s Refuge is the latest recipient of the Government’s Mental Health and Addiction Innovation Fund. 

“Women’s Refuge do incredibly important work in our communities. They provide a safe space for women and children experiencing family violence, some of whom may be experiencing mental health and addiction challenges. I am delighted that the organisation will receive funding from the Government to help deliver mental health and addiction support to those in need,” Mr Doocey says.

“I am pleased the funding announced today will support 250 advocates based within the 41 Women’s Refuges across New Zealand with mental health and addiction training, advisory support from clinical specialists and strengthen referral pathways so clients can access local mental health and addiction services more efficiently.  

“The feedback I often hear about mental health services is that it is too hard to navigate and know where to go in a time of need. This funding will enable Women’s Refuge to upskill their staff on mental health and addiction as well as improve connections with local services and referral pathways and join up the system to make it more accessible to those in need.

“Over the past five years, Women’s Refuge has supported an average of 15,000 clients per year. This funding will strengthen the workforce and improve referral pathways for those women and children who are accessing Women’s Refuge services.

“Initiatives like this is exactly what the Innovation Fund was designed for, and this support will only grow as we move into the second round of funding.”

The Women’s Refuge will receive $540,000 from the Government across two years, which will be matched by the Women’s Refuge to make a total of $1,080,000 over a two-year period.

In round one of the Innovation Fund the Government have so far supported MATES in Construction, The Mental Health Foundation, YouthLine, Wellington City Mission, Rotorua Youth One Stop Shop and the Sir John Kirwan Foundation.

“I am committed to doing everything possible to bring down mental health and addiction wait times in New Zealand. Partnering with organisations such as Women’s Refuge through the Innovation Fund to deliver innovative projects and initiatives supports the Government’s priority focus of increasing access to mental health and addiction support for Kiwis,” Mr Doocey says.

Note to editors: 

A future procurement opportunity for round two of the Fund was released on the Government Electronic Tender site (GETS) last week and a Request for Proposal is scheduled to be released in May 2025.