New Zealand’s latest OECD PISA results show a significant narrowing of the socio-economic achievement gap, driven by strong gains among students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “This is a really significant result. For years, a child’s socio-economic background has been far too strong a predictor of how well they will […]

The Government will remove a key barrier to creating underground gas storage by ending the requirement for developers to pay royalties on gas that is unlikely to be extracted or sold, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “Across the world, underground gas storage is a proven way of improving flexibility and resilience in energy systems. There […]

The Government is investing $2.4 million across six community programmes using sport and physical activity to support children and young people who may be at risk of offending or reoffending, says Minister for Sport and Recreation, Mark Mitchell. “This investment is in addition to the initial $2.2 million provided to five community organisations across New […]

Minister for Regulation David Seymour and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Louise Upston have today welcomed the completion of the Ministry for Regulation’s Hospitality Sector Review, which will make it easier and cheaper for hospitality businesses to open, and easier for them to do business. “Everybody has a favourite café, bar or restaurant they wish […]

His Majesty The King has approved the appointment of Lord Briggs of Westbourne as the next President of the Supreme Court. The King made the appointment on the advice of the Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor, following the recommendation of an independent selection commission. Lord Briggs will take up his new role in January 2027, when the current President, […]

Two men have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into the large-scale, illegal dumping of waste at the infamous site in Kidlington, the Environment Agency has announced today (8 September 2026). A 21-year-old male from Ashford in Surrey and a 43-year-old male from Stanwell in Surrey were arrested. This brings the total number of arrests to six, following one […]

United Utilities Water Limited has been hit with £964,225 in fines and costs at Preston Magistrates’ Court today (8 September) after pleading guilty to five environmental permit offences following a major pollution incident in Lancashire. The offences followed a serious environmental incident between 11 and 22 June 2023, when raw sewage was discharged into the Irish Sea along the Fylde Coast from […]

Dr. Shawn Richards has returned to the helm of the People’s Action Movement (PAM), securing a decisive victory in Tuesday night’s Special Caucus, and pledging to unite and rebuild the party ahead of the next general election. Richards received 72 votes to Lincoln David-Pelle’s nine, with two ballots spoiled, for a total of 83 votes […]

Transport Minister Chris Bishop says a $740 million state highway renewal programme for the upcoming summer construction season, funded through the National Land Transport Fund, will help deliver smoother, safer and more reliable journeys for New Zealanders. The investment forms part of the record $2.15 billion allocated to state highway maintenance and renewals through the […]

The world’s top squash players will compete in the 2028 PSA Squash World Championships in Auckland, supported by a $1 million investment from the Government’s Major Events Fund, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced today. “The World Championships are one of the most prestigious events in world squash. I’m proud for New Zealand to […]