Hon David Parker

The Government is taking steps to ensure forestry conversions by overseas investors are of better benefit to New Zealand.

A new targeted COVID Support Payment will be made available for businesses struggling with revenue during the Omicron outbreak.

Judge Laurie Newhook has commenced a three-year appointment as Chief Freshwater Commissioner for the Freshwater Planning Process (FPP), replacing Professor Peter Skelton who has now retired after long public service to environmental law.

The clean-up of a degraded lake in Marlborough and restoration of an estuary system in Gisborne are among a suite of projects that will receive $12 million of Jobs for Nature funding.

The impact of high water temperature on New Zealand King Salmon’s forecast revenue is a sharp reminder that resource management system reforms are needed to deliver better management for aquaculture.

The fast-track consenting process has delivered promising results over the past 18 months, including referrals for projects that will boost jobs and bring economic benefits across the country.

The Government has welcomed the call to action for this year’s World Wetlands Day today, which has the theme ‘Wetlands Action for People and Nature’.

Two sites in Northland and Manawatū are now safer for the community and the environment after projects to clean up and remediate the effects of pollution.

Otago’s Te Hakapupu/ Pleasant River Catchment Restoration Project will receive $4 million over the next four years to improve water quality in the Pleasant River catchment.

The Government is considering recommendations to help the seafood sector move away from a reliance on migrant labour, Minister for Oceans and Fisheries David Parker said.  

A new arrangement between New Zealand and Spain will boost protection for seabirds threatened by fishing operations.

Legislation to cut red tape for more new housing has passed in Parliament with cross-party support that provides an enduring solution to fixing New Zealand’s housing crisis.

The Transition Payment that is available for affected businesses to support their move to the COVID-19 Protection Framework has opened for applications this morning.

The annual meeting of the five Attorneys-General from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States was held this year by video conference on December 2/3 2021.

Aotearoa New Zealand is deeply concerned by the events which have been unfolding in Honiara, Solomon Islands, since Wednesday.

A boost to Working for Families tax credits, as part of a package of financial support that will see 346,000 families better off, has been passed into law late last night.

Attorney-General David Parker has announced the appointment of nine District Court Judges.

Environment Minister David Parker and Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui chairperson Sheena Maru have welcomed the appointment of Keria Ponga and Turama Hawira as Te Pou Tupua.

First home buyers are set to benefit from changes to planning rules being advanced by the Government and the National Party that will enable more medium density housing and cut red tape that acts as a barrier to development, Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods and Environment Minister David Parker announced today.

Māori Land Court Judge Layne Harvey has been appointed a Judge of the High Court, Attorney‑General David Parker announced today.

New Zealanders are invited to have their say on proposals for a new waste strategy and options for new waste legislation.