Latest Disability News

The Government is providing $50,000 to the Farmers Adverse Events Trust to support flood-affected Kaikōura farmers, with Federated Farmers to match the funding through fundraising, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. "Kaikōura received double its average July rainfall in just two days, triggering flooding and slips that have damaged farms, livestock feed, and vital infrastructure such as roads and fences," Mr McClay says. "The immediate priority is animal welfare. Ministry for Primary Industries staff are on the ground working with farmers, sector groups, and the Rural Support Trust to move an estimated 4,000 animals off flood-affected land and onto safe grazing. "Farmers and growers elsewhere, including in Otago and the Wairarapa, are still feeling the effects of recent severe weather, and we're continuing to assess whether further support is needed as the full extent of the damage becomes clear. "In the meantime, I'd encourage farmers to stay across MetService forecasts and take precautions, including moving livestock to safe ground." Farmers and growers needing assistance can contact the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254. Those with animal welfare concerns can phone MPI on 0800 00 83 33. 

The Government is removing costs for thousands of food businesses by launching another free online food safety course, says Minister for Food Safety Andrew Hoggard.“Food safety training can cost food businesses between $50 and $200 per staff member, so making free resources available puts money back in the till.” “This kind of training for food business provides an important line of defence for consumers and is a good investment in preventing foodborne illness.The first of six Food Safety Basics training modules was launched back in May and it was well received by food business. Today we’ve launched the second module, focusing on personal hygiene.”The new module covers why personal hygiene is essential for anyone working with food and how everyday habits can protect customers from foodborne illnesses. The full series of modules - developed with input from the Restaurant Association, Hospitality NZ, restaurants, cafes and local authorities - will all be published online by early next year. The remaining modules will cover maintaining a food safe workplace, handling food safely, allergens, and traceability and recalls.“Providing this free training is part of an ongoing series of practical changes to make food safety simpler and smarter for food businesses of every size.”The free online courses can be completed here.  

New Zealand will engage with Australia and Fiji on the possibility of joining the Ocean of Peace Alliance, the Government has announced.  “Fiji and Australia this week announced a commitment to become military allies, and New Zealand welcomes this,” Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “New Zealand and Australia share a close bond, with a military alliance that continues to go from strength to strength, and we also have a strong and enduring relationship with Fiji. “We already work with both countries on how we can develop a safer region for all, so engaging with them on this alliance is logical.” The alliance is a mutual defence treaty that commits its parties to cooperate and consult, and to act to meet common danger. It provides for other Pacific States to join, with the agreement of Australia and Fiji.  Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says Pacific leaders have for decades operated under an approach of having Pacific-led responses to regional security issues - and this alliance underscores that stance. “Elevating our long-standing relationship with Australia and Fiji - and other Pacific nations - to the next level through an alliance would mean we become even closer partners.” Defence Minister Chris Penk says the opportunity for further cooperation in the Pacific comes as New Zealand and Australia mark 75 years of their alliance.  “New Zealand values the opportunity to grow Pacific unity and build stronger defence and security partnerships within our region. We are committed to the implementation of deeper defence and security cooperation with Fiji.” New Zealand will now discuss with Australia and Fiji our interest in exploring membership of the Alliance. The final decision on joining the Alliance will be taken by Cabinet, followed by the usual Parliamentary treaty process. 

The Government will not proceed with a blanket legislative ban on crypto ATMs, instead taking a targeted and proportionate approach to reducing the criminal misuse of virtual assets, says Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee. In June 2025, Cabinet agreed in principle to ban crypto ATMs, subject to further policy analysis. That analysis has now been completed and found that a more flexible approach is available. “Banning something is a serious decision that should not be taken lightly. Cabinet has now considered the evidence and agreed that a blanket ban is not the right response at this time,” says Mrs McKee. “Crypto ATMs present real risks, particularly where criminals use cash to move funds into virtual assets quickly and anonymously. But the analysis also found they can have legitimate uses, including for cash-reliant New Zealanders who want to access or invest in virtual assets. "New Zealand should be a country that welcomes innovation while taking criminal misuse seriously. That is why Cabinet’s earlier decision was made in principle and subject to further analysis. If there was a less restrictive way to manage the risks, we wanted to find it. “Instead of an outright ban, Cabinet has agreed to establish regulation-making powers that would allow the Government to place restrictions on cash transactions for virtual assets. These could include maximum transaction thresholds or, if clear evidence of harm emerges in New Zealand, prohibit cash payments for high-risk virtual assets. “This gives the Government practical tools to respond to risk while preserving space for legitimate business, investment, and personal choice. “These decisions form part of the Government’s wider reform of New Zealand’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism system, aimed at making it easier to do business and harder to commit crime. “Cash remains attractive to organised crime because it is difficult to trace. When cash is converted into virtual assets, such as cryptocurrencies, criminals can move funds rapidly across borders in ways that are difficult for law enforcement to detect or disrupt. “That is why we are not ignoring the risks. We are putting practical tools in place so the Government can act quickly if the evidence justifies it, while avoiding unnecessary restrictions on lawful users. “I have asked officials to consult with crypto providers and users on options for implementing protections that strike the right balance." The AML/CFT (Omnibus) Amendment Bill will be introduced later this month and will incorporate a regulation making power to give effect to this decision.

New Zealand's manufacturing sector has posted its strongest month of growth in nearly five years, with new data showing activity surging to its highest level since July 2021, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Cameron Brewer says. The latest BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) jumped to 59.7 in June, up sharply from 51.3 in May and well above the survey's long-term average of 52.5. A reading above 50.0 shows the sector is expanding. "This is a very strong result. Order books are filling up, production is climbing, and manufacturers are hiring again," Mr Brewer says. Every part of the index was firmly in expansion. New Orders led the way at 64.1, pointing to a healthy pipeline of work ahead, while Production surged to 59.4 and Employment reached 55.8, an encouraging sign for manufacturing jobs. BNZ Head of Research Stephen Toplis said in the report that analysts were ‘staggered by the extent the Index has jumped’. The manufacturing sector directly employs more than 220,000 people, contributes around eight per cent of GDP, and accounts for 60 per cent of New Zealand's exports. "Manufacturing is one of the powerhouses of our economy, and right now it's running hot. This follows the sector being the single biggest driver of economic growth in the March quarter, so the momentum is real and it's building," Mr Brewer says. "When order books fill up like this, manufacturers need to invest to keep pace, and that's what Investment Boost is for, letting them buy the machinery and equipment that lifts productivity. "Our manufacturers are outpacing every major economy right now, including the United States, China, Japan, the United Kingdom and Australia. "Kiwi manufacturers are showing what they can do when they get a Government that backs them. This is all part of the Government's plan to fix the basics and build the future."

New Zealand is investing $9 million, the single biggest investment ever made in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), to establish community-based hubs in Rotorua/Kawerau, Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This is the first time in New Zealand there has been FASD-dedicated assessment, diagnosis and support in community settings, helping children, young people and their families access earlier care," Mr Doocey says. "We know early intervention makes a real difference. By identifying children earlier and supporting families sooner, we can improve lifelong health, learning and development outcomes. "Last year we launched the Government’s new approach to FASD, supported by a significant funding boost of $4.6 million to prevent FASD, improve diagnosis and support, and strengthen help for affected families. "As part of that plan, we are now establishing three community-based hubs that will provide assessment, diagnosis and ongoing support for children and young people with FASD. "The hubs will be operational in each location by October this year. They will provide referral and screening, comprehensive assessments, specialist support, navigation services and family support. "These three locations have been selected because they reflect areas of significant need. "This responds to longstanding barriers people have faced in accessing timely FASD assessment and diagnosis. We know limited access has created uncertainty for families and made it more difficult to receive the support they need. "Delays in diagnosis and assessment create stress for families, limit access to support, and contribute to poorer long-term outcomes. We know how important access to timely assessment and support is for improving outcomes for children and young people with FASD. "I want New Zealand to be a country where people are supported to have alcohol free pregnancies, where FASD is better understood, where our workforce is better equipped, and where people living with FASD and their families receive the support they deserve. "FASD is widespread and impacts thousands of families. Around 1,800 to 3,000 babies may be born with FASD each year in New Zealand, and the condition can significantly affect lifelong health, learning and development. "For too long, too many families have struggled to access the help they need. These new community-based hubs are an important step towards earlier diagnosis, better support and improved outcomes for children, young people and their families."

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey today officially opened Gisborne’s new Crisis Recovery Café.  “From today, people will be able to go to the café and talk to people with their own experience of recovery. This is a safe place for people experiencing mental health and addiction challenges to go for support that will also better connect them with the community services they may need,” Mr Doocey says.  “Wraparound support makes a real difference. Having someone who can connect people with longer-term support can help them feel less overwhelmed.  “The feedback from people has been clear. Sitting in a brightly lit, busy emergency department is not the best environment to be in when experiencing mental distress. That’s why we are rolling out eight new Crisis Recovery Cafés across the country, offering an alternative, non-clinical space where people can go for support.”  Te Kāuta café will be delivered by Te Kupenga Net Trust.  “The organisation was established in 1995 to deliver support to people in the Tairāwhiti region.  “I have always said communities know what works best for them. Te Kupenga is a trusted organisation in the region with strong existing community connections.  “There is no need for a referral to the café. People can simply show up when they need support.  “The café will initially operate Monday to Friday, from 7am to 3pm. This will be reviewed within the first three months, as to whether this needs adjusting.   “It has been heartening to hear the positive feedback about the peer support roles. One story that has stayed with me was from a worker reflecting on her own experience. She told me peer support services are exactly what she wishes she had when she was struggling, someone who could say, ‘I see you, I hear you, I know what you’re going through.’  “That’s exactly why we are making better use of peer support workers in a range of settings, including emergency departments, eating disorder services, maternal mental health services and inpatient settings.” 

Transport Minister Chris Bishop is welcoming the publication of NZTA's Major Transport Projects Pipeline, setting out the phasing for projects including the Roads of National Significance and major public transport projects. “The Government has an ambitious transport programme that will help grow the economy by moving people and freight safely and efficiently around the country,” Mr Bishop says. “The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has been getting on with delivering the Government's Roads of National Significance, Roads of Regional Significance, and major public transport projects like the Northwestern and Eastern Busways in Auckland. "Significant progress has been made over the last three years.” Phase One: Under construction and procurement “The Ōtaki to north of Levin Road of National Significance, the Hawke's Bay Expressway, Takitimu North Link Stage 1, and SH29 Tauriko West (Omanawa Bridge) are all under construction. “The first stage of the Northland Expressway is in the final stages of procurement and due to start construction before the end of the year, while procurement is also underway for the Cambridge to Piarere Road of National Significance. “Cambridge to Piarere will extend the Waikato Expressway, with construction of Stage 1 due to start in early 2027 and Stage 2 later in 2027. “By early next year, six RoNS will be under construction. “Important regional projects, including the Melling Interchange, Brougham Street and the second Ashburton Bridge, are also underway. “The construction sector has been clear it needs a strong pipeline of future work. That is why the Government committed to the 17 RoNS listed in the 2024 Transport Government Policy Statement, and major public transport projects. “We've always seen the roads and public transport projects as part of a multi-year pipeline to drive jobs and growth around the country, and today's pipeline release reflects that.  "The pipeline shows why a phased approach to delivering the Roads of National Significance is important. As I've said many times, not all projects can start immediately. It takes time to get projects ready for construction, with route protection (designations and consenting), detailed design, and property acquisition all needing to be completed before main construction works can begin.” Phase Two: Preparing for construction, and route protection “Provisional consent has been granted for the Belfast to Pegasus Road of National Significance and early works are underway. Takitimu North Link (Stage 2) also recently received consent through the Fast Track Approvals Act. “NZTA will continue to progress planning work for Mill Road (Stage One), the Northwest Busway (Stages 1B and 2), and the Hope Bypass (Stage 1) with intersection improvements prioritised at Lower Queen St.  “As funding becomes available, these projects can progress to construction. "NZTA will also progress route protection for the SH1 Wellington Improvements project, the Brynderwyns project as part of the Northland Expressway, SH29 Tauriko (Wider Scope), and Northwest Busway Stage 3. “The Northwest Alternative State Highway and Hamilton Southern Links are already designated.” Phase Three: Continuing more slowly “NZTA will continue work on the Hope Bypass Stage 2, Sections 2 and 3 of the Northland Expressway (excluding the Brynderwyns), Auckland’s East West Link, Mill Road (Alfriston to Drury), and Petone to Grenada. “Work on these projects will progress at a slower pace than those in Phase Two, with some projects continuing preparation for future route protection. "Phasing the RoNS programme means we can keep investing across the wider transport network, including in projects that improve reliability, strengthen resilience, and meet local and regional transport needs. "Major new corridors are important, but New Zealanders also need a safe, reliable and resilient transport system every day.  “That is why the RoNS programme sits alongside significant investment in maintaining and renewing existing infrastructure, strengthening resilience to natural hazards and extreme weather, improving safety, and keeping communities connected. “Fuel excise duty has fallen in real terms by 21 per cent since 2020 when it was last increased, while construction costs have risen significantly over the same period, with the recent conflict in the Middle East contributing to that challenge. “This pipeline demonstrates that we have struck the right balance with our ambitious and responsible transport programme, which is part of our Government’s wider plan to build New Zealand’s future.” Note to editors: NZTA’s Major Transport Projects Pipeline is attached and can be found at this link: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects-and-consultations/major-projects/major-transport-projects-pipeline

Education Minister Hon Erica Stanford has announced appointments to the Governing Council of the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. “The Teaching Council has faced significant challenges, including an independent review into its practices that found it had lost focus on its core role of ensuring child safety,” Ms Stanford says. “It is important that we have frontline educators on the Governing Council, as they understand the needs of the sector. “The depth and diversity of the members’ experience mean they will provide a balanced perspective on regulatory systems, and have critical governance skills and insights, including around financial management, organisational performance, audit and risk management.” Minister Stanford said she is confident the Governing Council will have the collective skills and experience needed to provide strong governance, aligned with the Teaching Council’s enhanced regulatory focus. The new appointees are:Dr Sarah Brown, Principal at Kerikeri Primary School; Patrick Drumm, Headmaster at Mount Albert Grammar School; Heath Chittenden, Principal at Ashhurst School; Dame Susan Hassall, former Headmaster of Hamilton Boys’ High School and Chancellor of the University of Waikato; Patrick Walsh, Headmaster at Sacred Heart College in Auckland; Andrée Atkinson, a qualified accountant with strong financial advisory skills. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a director and has significant experience chairing risk and audit committees. She also serves on the boards of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and Te Kura (formerly The Correspondence School); Debbie Francis, who has led change programmes across both the public and private sectors. She was lead partner for the PwC People and Change practice and head of the PwC central government practice; Tom Gott, who will commence a new term on the Governing Council following the conclusion of his role as Interim Chief Executive. He is an associate with MartinJenkins, with expertise in governance, strategy and development, organisational performance and regulatory practice.The following current ministerial appointees will be reappointed for three-year terms:Andrée Atkinson Dr Sarah Brown Heath Chittenden Patrick Drumm Debbie Francis Dame Susan Hassall DNZM JPA further appointment will be made to fill a current vacancy and strengthen early childhood education representation on the Council. Members’ terms are expected to begin in July, aligning with commencement of the Education (System Reform) Amendment Bill.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced today that a construction contract has been awarded by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to Oxcon for the two-lane replacement of the Mangati Bridge on State Highway 39 (SH39) between Ōtorohanga and Pirongia. “NZTA has worked at pace since a single-lane Acrow (Bailey-style) temporary bridge was installed in March to reconnect the Pirongia community following heavy rain and flash flooding which damaged the original bridge beyond repair,” Mr Bishop says. “Construction for the permanent replacement is expected to start on site before the end of this month and it will be open to traffic by early 2027,” Mr Bishop says. “The new bridge will be built higher and stronger, improving the corridor’s resilience to flooding and extreme weather events. “SH39 is a vital route for traffic travelling through the western Waikato, and an important link between Taranaki and Auckland. That’s why it’s a priority to restore the road to two lanes of traffic by early next year. “The new Mangati Bridge will be constructed in the same location as the original bridge, meaning there will be minimal impact to SH39 traffic which will continue to use the temporary bridge until the permanent one opens. “I look forward to work getting underway on a new two-lane bridge that will provide safer, more reliable access for this community,” says Mr Bishop Notes to editor:The total project cost is expected to be $12.5 million, funded from NZTA’s emergency works budget. This figure includes the cost of the new bridge ($8 million), removing the damaged bridge and installing, maintaining and then removing the temporary Acrow bridge.

An application targeting frontier deepwater in the Taranaki Basin marks the fifth permit application to prospect or explore for petroleum since the removal of the exploration ban, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. Today, New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZP&M) opened a three-month competitive window for a petroleum prospecting permit application from Taranaki Energy Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Perth-based Pancontinental Energy. The application includes a proposed two-year work programme focused on reprocessing and interpreting 2D seismic data, basin modelling, and identifying potential exploration targets to inform future investment decisions. “New Zealand is seeing renewed momentum in petroleum exploration, with four recent applications from a mix of new and established operators already progressing through competitive processes or under assessment,” Mr Jones says. “Alongside recent commercial activity and interest levels, this reflects growing confidence and a clear lift in interest since the removal of the exploration ban, reinforced by the Government’s clear direction regarding the sector’s role in supporting our energy security and economic resilience.” The proposed permit area covers 9972.5 sq km in deepwater offshore Taranaki, an area long recognised as highly prospective but largely underexplored. No exploration wells have been drilled within the area to date, highlighting the potential for new discoveries as geological understanding improves. “I welcome Pancontinental’s interest in New Zealand and in advancing our petroleum potential,” Mr Jones says. Interested parties have until 5pm, 8 October 2026, to submit competing applications. At the close of the period of competition, NZP&M will determine the order in which to process applications in accordance with the provisions of the Minerals Programme for Petroleum 2025. Applications will then be evaluated against the considerations in the Crown Minerals Act 1991. These include the technical and financial capabilities of the applicant, the applicant’s record of compliance, and the merits of the proposed work programme. The Government’s open market regime, introduced following the removal of the exploration ban, enables companies to apply for petroleum permits at any time, ensuring New Zealand can respond to emerging opportunities while maintaining a transparent and competitive allocation system. More information can be found here: Applications under the open market competitive process - New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals

Kiwi businesses are on track for up to $800 million a year in productivity gains once eInvoicing is fully adopted, with uptake already more than doubling in the past year as businesses get paid faster and spend less time on paperwork, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Cameron Brewer says. Around 113,000 businesses are now registered to receive eInvoices, up from 52,000 earlier this year. eInvoicing lets businesses send and receive invoices directly between their accounting systems, with no printing, emailing, or manually keying in numbers. "For small businesses, cash is king. Late payments choke cashflow, and that's exactly what this fixes. eInvoicing helps you get paid faster, cuts the admin, and reduces invoice fraud and scams," Mr Brewer says. The $800 million figure comes from new research by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER), which finds businesses can save at least 16 minutes on every invoice, or around $11 each, just by making the switch. "It's one of the simplest, proven productivity wins going. If you've got cloud accounting, you've already got eInvoicing sitting there ready to switch on," Mr Brewer says. "Our Government is leading the charge with its own prompt payments, which we initiated and continue to closely monitor. The results speak for themselves and mean more cash into our local communities, faster," Mr Brewer says. Government agencies are set a target of paying 95 percent of invoices within 10 working days, and last quarter they beat it, paying 95.9 percent on time across more than 1.6 million invoices. "We're not just asking businesses to make the switch, we're doing it ourselves. When government pays on time, that money flows straight through to the small businesses and subcontractors down the chain," Mr Brewer says. To lock in that lead, from 1 January 2027 large businesses will be required to send eInvoices when billing government agencies, with subcontractors paid on terms no less favourable than large firms receive. "This is about making it easier to do business in New Zealand. It's fixing the basics and building the future, so Kiwi businesses have the incentives and the tools to get paid faster and lift productivity," Mr Brewer says.