New Zealand Government Stories

Kiwi Stories

New Zealand Government stories

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 • Today

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 • Yesterday

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 • 2 days ago

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 • 2 days ago

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 • 3 days ago

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 • 4 days ago

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 • Last week

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 • Last week

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 • Last week

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 • Last week

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

Virtual Private Networks

Govt pushes ahead with social media ban for under-16s

The plan faces an uncertain path in Parliament, with coalition partners ACT and New Zealand First refusing support for the under-16s ban.

By RNZ • 7 min read • Last month

National Party

Rates cap will put squeeze on community groups, facilities - Marlborough deputy mayor

Funding for sports facilities and community grants could be cut as Marlborough council tries to stay within a 4% rates cap.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 4 min read • Last month

Network Infrastructure

2degrees opens Marton satellite station for smartphone tests

Customers in remote parts of New Zealand may soon get voice, data and messaging on ordinary smartphones, after tests using AST SpaceMobile's network.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 3 min read • Last month

Disaster Recovery

Revised Westport flood protection project to cost $40 million

Ratepayers in Westport may face higher bills as the flood protection scheme's cost blowout prompts a fresh consultation on a revised design.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 4 min read • Last month

Software-as-a-Service

Workday joins New Zealand government digital marketplace

Eligible New Zealand agencies can now buy Workday software through a pre-vetted channel, potentially speeding procurement and reducing risk.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Last month

Data Protection

TUANZ backs online safety plans but warns on age ban

Support for tougher online protections comes with calls for scrutiny of age checks, as TUANZ warns they could harm privacy and exclude vulnerable youth.

By Sean Mitchell • 5 min read • Last month