Minister of Civil Defence Hon Kris Faafoi has announced funding for five additional projects in regional New Zealand to enhance resilience to natural hazards.

Forestry Minister Shane Jones and Climate Change Minister James Shaw have released a consultation paper proposing 12 improvements to forestry regulations in the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZETS).

Minister of Housing and Urban Development Phil Twyford today announced a new Ministry will be set up to help the Government deliver on its priorities of making housing more affordable and our cities more liveable.

Government work to involve experts and ordinary New Zealanders in solving some big challenges, find solutions that last beyond a three year cycle, and improve lives also have the potential to save tax payers millions in the long run, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says.

Applications open today for scholarships aimed at boosting the power of New Zealand’s business managers, with a change in focus from earlier years to include a wider range of Kiwi businesses.

The Prime Minister’s Business Scholarships provide an opportunity for managers to gain valuable skills and experience by undertaking world-class executive education at international business schools.

While they were previously aimed at exporters and internationalising New Zealand-based firms, the criteria have been expanded to include domestically-focused firms that can take advantage of New Zealand’s competitive advantage, such as in areas like agricultural technology.

There is also a particular focus on expanding the diversity of recipients to include more women, Maori and Pasifika people.

“These Scholarships open the door to opportunities not readily available in New Zealand, giving business leaders access to international experts, global networks and knowledge to bring home to their businesses and share with colleagues and the wider business community,” Economic Development Minister David Parker said.

“Lifting management capability in New Zealand’s businesses will help strengthen and develop the productive potential of this economy, which is a priority for the government.

“Having the people who lead our companies equipped with the best skills possible is crucial for driving greater efficiency, innovation and productivity.”

The Scholarships fund 50 per cent of the cost of overseas study at an international business school, up to a maximum value of $110,000.

Recent recipients include leaders from the IT, agriculture, electricity, technology and textile industries. Recipients attend business schools including Harvard, Stanford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the European Institute for Business Administration (INSEAD).

“As a small nation at the bottom of the world it is not always easy to get exposure to the world’s business learning resources and that’s why the Government is pleased to offer this opportunity,” David Parker said.

The Scholarships close at noon on 9 July 2018. To apply visit www.mbie.govt.nz/pmbs  

The Government’s surplus, revenue, expenses and net debt are all tracking in line with forecasts, according to the latest monthly financial accounts released by the Treasury today.

The potential for upgrading and expanding rail north of Auckland will be investigated, as part of a package of improvements to help Northland’s growth, Transport Minister Phil Twyford and Associate Transport Minister Shane Jones have announced.

Te Uru Rākau and Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust have signed a joint venture to plant and manage about 3,600 hectares of pine trees in the far North, Forestry Minister Shane Jones has today announced.

A taskforce is being set up to deal with the impact of the Chinese Government’s ban on the import of many recycling materials, Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage announced today.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters today announced the appointment of Tahamoana Macpherson as New Zealand’s new Ambassador to Thailand.