New Zealand Government Stories - Page 2

Kiwi Stories

New Zealand Government stories

'Authors of Buller's misfortune': Flood protection funding bid fails

Westport's flood defences face further delay after a USD $6.7 million Government funding bid was turned down, widening the scheme shortfall.

By Vihan Dalal • 4 min read • Last month

Phishing

Half of New Zealand agencies miss email security bar

Spoofed emails could still reach public servants and citizens, as 50% of more than 200 New Zealand agencies have not met the DMARC standard.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Last month

Māori

'Iconic national' road thrown a funding lifeline

Ratepayers in South Wairarapa will avoid a funding gap of up to NZD $35 million after NZTA agreed to keep Cape Palliser Rd largely subsidised for three years.

By Emily Ireland • 3 min read • Last month

Virtual Private Networks

Govt pushes ahead with social media ban for under-16s

The plan faces an uncertain path in Parliament, with coalition partners ACT and New Zealand First refusing support for the under-16s ban.

By Giles Dexter • 7 min read • Fri, 28th Aug 2026

National Party

Rates cap will put squeeze on community groups, facilities - Marlborough deputy mayor

Funding for sports facilities and community grants could be cut as Marlborough council tries to stay within a 4% rates cap.

By Kira Carrington • 4 min read • Wed, 26th Aug 2026

Unified Communications

2degrees opens Marton satellite station for smartphone tests

Customers in remote parts of New Zealand may soon get voice, data and messaging on ordinary smartphones, after tests using AST SpaceMobile's network.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 3 min read • Wed, 26th Aug 2026

Disaster Recovery

Revised Westport flood protection project to cost $40 million

Ratepayers in Westport may face higher bills as the flood protection scheme's cost blowout prompts a fresh consultation on a revised design.

By Vihan Dalal • 4 min read • Wed, 26th Aug 2026

Software-as-a-Service

Workday joins New Zealand government digital marketplace

Eligible New Zealand agencies can now buy Workday software through a pre-vetted channel, potentially speeding procurement and reducing risk.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Wed, 26th Aug 2026

Data Protection

TUANZ backs online safety plans but warns on age ban

Support for tougher online protections comes with calls for scrutiny of age checks, as TUANZ warns they could harm privacy and exclude vulnerable youth.

By Sean Mitchell • 5 min read • Tue, 25th Aug 2026

Data Analytics

NZAero eyes AI pilot training as CT-4 production restarts

The revived trainer could give instructors richer flight data to spot safety and skills gaps as NZAero restarts CT-4 production after 14 years.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 5 min read • Tue, 25th Aug 2026

Small Business

Builders' co-op calls for major reform as industry struggles

Construction activity has slumped to its lowest level since 2015, prompting calls for faster consents and fairer liability rules.

By Claire Taylor • 4 min read • Mon, 24th Aug 2026

Disaster Recovery

Tairāwhiti emergency waste funding: Gisborne District Council gets $115,590 grant

Severe weather clean-up costs in Tairāwhiti have been eased, with Gisborne District Council securing the largest share of a new grant.

By Imogen Brophy • 2 min read • Fri, 21st Aug 2026

Fintech

Kiwibank posts $174m profit as lending & deposits grow

Earnings fell as lower margins squeezed Kiwibank, even though home loans and deposits climbed faster than those of bigger rivals.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Thu, 20th Aug 2026

Malware

New Zealand cyber incidents needing specialist support rise

More New Zealand cyber incidents are now being escalated for specialist help, even as total reports stayed broadly steady in the June quarter.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Thu, 20th Aug 2026

Urban Planning

Infrastructure Minister rules out pause on Fast-track housing developments in Canterbury

Canterbury councils say fast-track housing could strain local infrastructure, after the minister rejected their call for a pause and review.

By David Hill • 4 min read • Thu, 20th Aug 2026

Data Protection

OpenAI rolls out ChatGPT for Teens with NZ safety safeguards

The move gives under-18 users stronger safeguards and homework support as regulators and parents scrutinise AI chatbots' impact on teens.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Wed, 19th Aug 2026

Malware

2degrees turns on default blocks for malicious sites

The default filter could spare 2degrees customers from scams and phishing attempts without any sign-up, app or settings change.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Wed, 19th Aug 2026

Clean technologies

Solar on schools in line with Kaikōura's dark sky status - principal

The Government says large schools could save about NZD $8000 a year as solar panels are fitted over three years.

By David Hill • 2 min read • Fri, 14th Aug 2026

Clean technologies

North Canterbury schools set to light up on solar power

The move should cut electricity bills and emissions, with Oxford Area School among 500 schools to get rooftop panels over three years.

By David Hill • 3 min read • Thu, 13th Aug 2026

Local Government

Tauranga City Council submits Head Start reform proposal despite Western Bay rejection

Officials will still assess Tauranga's bid for a new unitary authority, despite Western Bay of Plenty District Council refusing to join it.

By Ayla Yeoman • 4 min read • Wed, 12th Aug 2026