New Zealand Government stories
The plan faces an uncertain path in Parliament, with coalition partners ACT and New Zealand First refusing support for the under-16s ban.
Funding for sports facilities and community grants could be cut as Marlborough council tries to stay within a 4% rates cap.
Customers in remote parts of New Zealand may soon get voice, data and messaging on ordinary smartphones, after tests using AST SpaceMobile's network.
Ratepayers in Westport may face higher bills as the flood protection scheme's cost blowout prompts a fresh consultation on a revised design.
Eligible New Zealand agencies can now buy Workday software through a pre-vetted channel, potentially speeding procurement and reducing risk.
Support for tougher online protections comes with calls for scrutiny of age checks, as TUANZ warns they could harm privacy and exclude vulnerable youth.
The revived trainer could give instructors richer flight data to spot safety and skills gaps as NZAero restarts CT-4 production after 14 years.
Construction activity has slumped to its lowest level since 2015, prompting calls for faster consents and fairer liability rules.
Severe weather clean-up costs in Tairāwhiti have been eased, with Gisborne District Council securing the largest share of a new grant.
Earnings fell as lower margins squeezed Kiwibank, even though home loans and deposits climbed faster than those of bigger rivals.
More New Zealand cyber incidents are now being escalated for specialist help, even as total reports stayed broadly steady in the June quarter.
Canterbury councils say fast-track housing could strain local infrastructure, after the minister rejected their call for a pause and review.
The move gives under-18 users stronger safeguards and homework support as regulators and parents scrutinise AI chatbots' impact on teens.
The default filter could spare 2degrees customers from scams and phishing attempts without any sign-up, app or settings change.
The Government says large schools could save about NZD $8000 a year as solar panels are fitted over three years.
The move should cut electricity bills and emissions, with Oxford Area School among 500 schools to get rooftop panels over three years.
Officials will still assess Tauranga's bid for a new unitary authority, despite Western Bay of Plenty District Council refusing to join it.
Students in Years 12 and 13 will gain school qualifications tied to jobs and training as the government seeks to ease skills shortages.
New Zealand's tech growth is being constrained by a deepening talent shortage, with firms struggling to fill AI, cyber and cloud roles.
The Crown will free up NZD $702 million for roads, hospitals and classrooms by cashing in Chorus loans earlier than planned.
