The Government has agreed to introduce legislation that will enable a four-year term of Parliament subject to a referendum, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“As stipulated in the National-Act coalition agreement, the Bill is modelled on the ACT Party’s draft Constitution (Enabling a 4-Year Term) Amendment Bill.
“This means
* Government aims to speed up approval of agricultural and horticultural products to boost productivity.
* Review recommends halving approval times, potentially saving $272 million over 20 years.
* Industry welcomes changes but urges swift action to rebuild confidence in the system.
The Government has announced plans to cut red tape for agricultural
* New Zealand recorded a net loss of 47,100 Kiwis, the largest in a single year.
* Departures of young people aged 18 to 30 made up 38% of migrant exits.
* Net migration gain fell to 27,100, significantly lower than the 128,300 recorded in 2023.
New Zealand’s net
* Government proposes reducing Warrant of Fitness checks for vintage vehicles and private motorhomes to yearly.
* Southlanders, known for their passion for classic vehicles, will welcome the proposed changes.
* Public consultation on the proposed changes runs from 24 February to 4 April 2025.
The Government is seeking public input on a
An investigation is underway after the death of a woman at a Queenstown property on Saturday 25 January.
Emergency services were called to the Windsor Place property about 2.30pm.
Police are now working to establish the full circumstances of how she died.
Her death is currently being treated as
Police have announced they will not press charges following a shoplifting allegation involving former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman. The incident occurred at Pak’nSave Royal Oak on 12 October 2024 and was initially reported electronically via the Auror platform, a system used to manage retail crime reports.
Seems Greens MP&
* NZME plans to cut 40 roles across NZ Herald, BusinessDesk, and Newstalk ZB.
* The restructure aims to focus on stories that engage audiences and grow subscriptions.
* The changes include fewer stories, new digital investments, and streamlined production.
NZME, the owner of the NZ Herald, BusinessDesk, and Newstalk ZB, has announced
* Shane Reti demoted as Health Minister, falling from fourth to ninth in rankings.
* Simeon Brown takes over health portfolio, aiming to improve healthcare access for Kiwis.
* Prime Minister Luxon focuses on economic growth with several other cabinet role changes.
In a significant cabinet reshuffle, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has demoted
