Whanganui international pilot academy: Five parties place offers for facility
The academy's fleet has been grounded for almost six weeks because of a safety investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Whanganui Council Holdings (Holdings) chairwoman Carolyn van
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New AI Strategy A Confidence Boost For Kiwi Business
The Auckland Business Chamber welcomes the release of New Zealand's Strategy for Artificial Intelligence: Investing with Confidence, calling it a clear signal that New Zealand is ready to compete in the global AI economy — and puts the private sector firmly at the centre. Auckland Business Chamber Chief Executive Simon Bridges says the strategy gives businesses the clarity and confidence they need to invest in AI. 'This removes unintended barriers and clears up uncertainty. Whether you're a manufacturer in Onehunga or a tech start-up in Takapuna, it's about enabling real productivity gains,' said Bridges. The strategy outlines a light-touch, principles-based policy approach, along with practical guidance to help businesses — particularly SMEs — adopt AI responsibly and effectively. 'SMEs are the backbone of Auckland's economy, but many are unsure where to start. This strategy cuts through the fog and gives them a path forward,' said Bridges. AI could add $76 billion to New Zealand's GDP by 2038, but 68% of small and medium-sized businesses aren't yet planning for AI. The Chamber says the strategy directly addresses that gap. 'It's practical, not hype. If we don't get moving, we'll fall behind — but this gives Auckland a real platform to lead,' said Bridges. The Chamber also welcomed improved access to global talent and international investment through Invest New Zealand, helping position Auckland as a hub for high-value digital innovation. 'We've got the skills, the infrastructure, and now the policy settings businesses have been calling for,' said Bridges.
Otago Daily Times
an hour ago
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Rules for selling homes in trusts to be relaxed
Agents, lawyers and accountants will be issued clear guidance on how to apply simplified checks "without fear of regulatory reprisal". New Zealanders selling a house held in a family trust will no longer be treated like potential criminals, the government says, as it plans to relax anti-money laundering checks for "low risk" transactions. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced the changes yesterday, saying the current rules saddled hard-working families with a "burdensome level of document verification and compliance checks" for little reason. "Families who've worked hard, paid off their mortgage, and saved for the future shouldn't be treated like potential criminals just because they want to move house," she said. "When there's clearly nothing untoward going on, there's no need for invasive investigations or repetitive paperwork." Under the government's proposed approach, a real estate agent could apply "simplified customer due diligence" if they deemed the sale to be "clearly low risk". In such cases, agents would need only confirm ownership and trustee details match the certificate of title, verify the couple's identity documents and role as trustees, and retain a copy of the trust deed. Currently, agents must collect more extensive documentation, including the names and addresses of all beneficiaries - including children and lawyers - as well as explanations and proof of how the property was paid for. The statement issued by McKee does not state exactly what would classify a transaction as "low risk" but said agents, lawyers and accountants would be issued clear guidance on how to apply the simplified checks "without fear of regulatory reprisal". "These changes are about recognising that not all customers carry the same risk and it's time our laws reflected that," she said. "New Zealanders who play by the rules, work hard, and save for their future should be supported by the system, not tied up in red tape." The move is part of a broader shake-up of the anti-money laundering regime. The government yesterday also announced changes to make it easier for parents to set up bank accounts for their children.
RNZ News
an hour ago
- RNZ News
Christchurch Mayor backs proposal for government-capped rates rises
Phil Mauger envisages a rates cap of around 5 percent. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger is backing calls for the government to cap rates rises . Cabinet will consider options to control rate rises, including capping, later this year. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has complained of councils' wasteful spending, comparing local politicians to kids in a candy store. "Councils don't always do a great job of spending your money like you would spend it. There are wasteful projects - there is evidence of that," Willis told Morning Report on Monday. "We want councils focusing on the things people expect them to do, which is the rubbish, the roads, the pipes, the basics - and not all the fanciful projects." Mauger told RNZ he could not agree more. "Everyone campaigns 'ohh, we gotta stick to basics', right? And then the first thing some of us do is go away and not stick to basics," he said. "We need to be stronger around the council table to say what's basics. Now ... someone's basic might be someone else's must have ... but it's good to have rates caps. I feel it's good. I really do." Earlier this year, the Taxpayers' Union launched a campaign calling for rates to be capped at inflation levels. Mauger imagined a cap closer to 5 percent and said his council was "very close to what I'd call the rates cap". He conceded it would not be possible to cap rates at inflation. "If it's low as that we would struggle with that," Mauger said. "I think to get down to 2 percent, if the government put a rates cap at 2 percent on it, I think there's a lot of problems." Christchurch City Council had approved average rates increases of 6.4 percent, 9.9 percent and 6.6 percent this term, as a result average rates bills had climbed almost 25 percent in the city this triennium, while inflation had only risen about 8 percent during that time. Willis told Morning Report she expected push back from councils "because when you take candy away from kids in a candy store, they don't really like it. But at the same time, we are on the side of ratepayers". Asked if he was acting like a kid in a candy store, Mauger told RNZ: "No - when it's my own money, it is. But when you're spending other people's money, [rates caps] are good". "If we had money running out of our ears, you'd spend it on other stuff. We haven't got that at the moment," he said. He agreed with Willis that councils had engaged in wasteful spending, and when asked for an example he pointed to cycleway spending. "We've wasted money on how we have designed and built cycleways. Now I'm not against cycleways but we can build them one hell of a lot cheaper - a lot, lot cheaper," Mauger said. The council had budgeted $210.4 million for new cycleways, improvements, and cycleway and footpath renewals over the next decade in its long-term plan. However, that only accounted for 3.2 percent of its budgeted $6.5 billion in capital spending. With major projects, such as Christchurch's new stadium and new sports complex, almost complete, rates pressure would ease in the future. But Mauger said the council still needed to find other ways to cut its cloth. "What we've got to look at is our levels of service now," he said. "Everyone expects when they walk out the door, they expect the footpath to be half-good, they expect the gutter to be falling the right way, they expect the water to be not leaking out of the ground, the grass mowed and rubbish picked up - that's what they expect. "If we backed off and didn't mow the grass as often or didn't pick up the rubbish as often, that's how we could save some money. I can't say that's how you would, but that's how we can do it quicker and easier." Rates caps had been panned by Labour leader Chris Hipkins - who said it would make the problem worse not better - and Local Government New Zealand president and Selwyn District mayor Sam Broughton - who said capping rates could be "disastrous for communities". Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
