News & Achievements

This morning, the Minister of Finance Grant Robertson delivered a pre-Budget speech in Wellington. 

It’s been 100 days since Chippy became the Prime Minister of New Zealand – and a lot has happened in that time. 

If you missed Prime Minister Chris Hipkins’ recent announcement on our new trade agreement with the United Kingdom, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.

Here's a quick overview of what it means for exporters, farmers and growers, and how it will help to boost New Zealand’s economy.

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing New Zealand, and recent extreme weather events up and down the country have only emphasised the importance of taking action now.

We've listened to feedback and are making major changes to the affordable water reforms, while still delivering big cost savings to New Zealand households.

Every New Zealander deserves safe, reliable and affordable water services that keep families healthy and rate bills affordable. But after years of neglect, our water services – our drinking water, wastewater and stormwater networks – are facing a crisis.

The status quo is not an option. That’s why, we’re fixing New Zealand’s water infrastructure, ensuring Kiwi families don’t have to foot the bill through huge rates increases in the future while also making sure that the work is now led and delivered at a regional level.

The past few years have been incredibly difficult for many New Zealanders.

Most recently, severe weather events have hit our regions hard, causing extensive damage to communities. We’ve faced the most significant global challenge in decades, and now in the wake of the pandemic, high inflation is affecting us here at home as the cost of energy, food and materials have increased across the world.

Over a million New Zealanders will receive a little extra to help with the cost of living as a result of our 1 April changes.

Around the world, inflation is causing costs to rise and we’re feeling it here at home. In tough times, we need to support those who are struggling the most to make ends meet. While there’s no easy fix, these changes will see increases to the minimum wage, superannuation, veteran’s pensions, benefits, as well as family and student support.  

We’re boosting incomes and helping ease cost of living pressures on Kiwis through a range of bread and butter support measures that will see pensioners, students, families, and those on main benefits better off from the start of next month.

This year has seen a series of extreme weather events, unparalleled in New Zealand’s recent history. From Cape Reinga in the far north down to the Tararua Ranges, families and businesses across the country have suffered enormous loss and hardship.

While the severe weather hasn’t directly affected every part of the country, its impact has been felt by us all. Just like the Christchurch and Kaikōura earthquakes, Cyclone Gabrielle’s legacy will be with us for many years to come.

Our Government is committed to supporting New Zealanders as we recover and build back better, safer and smarter.