New Zealand Government Stories

Kiwi Stories

New Zealand Government stories

Second Auckland harbour crossing appears feasible, review finds

A second Waitematā crossing could still go ahead, though ministers have more work to do before choosing between a tunnel, bridge or other option.

By RNZ • 2 min read • Today

Risk & Compliance

Reserve Bank kept interest rates low too long, Covid-19 review finds

The review says delayed tightening helped drive inflation to 7.3 percent, forcing sharper rate rises and weighing on growth and jobs.

By RNZ • 5 min read • Today

Data Protection

New Zealand SMEs face rising cyber threats, study finds

Nearly three-quarters of medium-sized firms have faced a cyber threat in six months, as AI scams and weak staff training heighten risk.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Today

Resource Management Act

Auckland CBD height limits could be scrapped

The proposal could unlock 17,000 extra homes in Auckland's city centre while leaving viewshafts, sunlight and heritage rules intact.

By RNZ • 2 min read • Last week

Digital Transformation

Westpac approved to issue digital IDs

Business customers will soon be able to share bank details with fewer fraud risks, after the bank became the first in New Zealand cleared to issue digital IDs.

By RNZ • 3 min read • Last week

Data Protection

Westpac first New Zealand bank to issue digital ID

Business customers can now verify bank account details faster and with less fraud risk as digital credentials debut through Govt.nz's app wallet.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last week

Commerce Commission

Councils to be allowed to charge developers with new levy from 2029

Existing ratepayers could be spared higher bills as councils prepare to shift more of the cost of new housing infrastructure onto developers from 2029.

By RNZ • 4 min read • Last week

Data centers

Explainer: Why is everyone talking about AI and the end of the world?

Calls for tighter AI safeguards have intensified after warnings the technology could outpace human control and threaten jobs, security and markets.

By RNZ • 8 min read • Last week

Housing

Councils face squeezing multi-million spatial plan bill under rates cap

Ratepayers could face higher bills as Canterbury councils prepare a mandatory regional spatial plan estimated at GBP £7 million to GBP £10 million.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 5 min read • Last week

Buy Now Pay Later

How much beneficiaries are left with after paying the rent

After housing costs, beneficiaries have just NZD $251 a week on average, with rent swallowing nearly half their income.

By RNZ • 3 min read • Last week

Energy efficient

Ngāti Rangi takes stake in Waiouru Defence land under new 50-home deal

Military families at Waiouru will gain 50 modern homes by mid-2028 as Ngāti Rangi takes ownership of the land in a treaty settlement deal.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 4 min read • This month

Data Protection

Labour promises to set up AI regulator, copyright rules if elected

The plan would give New Zealand a dedicated AI office and tougher copyright protections, aiming to curb risks and share gains with workers.

By RNZ • 6 min read • This month

Risk & Compliance

'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 Local Democracy Reporter • 4 min read • This 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 • This 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 Local Democracy Reporter • 3 min read • This month