Stories from Wellington · New Zealand

Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith said the government is exploring self-regulation options for broadcasters, including through the New Zealand Media Council.

An annual business monitor report indicates that 35% of more than 1,000 small and medium enterprise owners and operators are dissatisfied with the coalition government. According to the report, 33% of respondents expressed satisfaction while 31% remained neutral.

New Zealand currently has approximately 74 general practitioners per 100,000 people. This figure is lower than Australia, which has 116 per 100,000, and Canada, which has 122 per 100,000. The workforce is aging, with an increasing number of doctors retiring as the population grows. The shortage is compounded by what commentators described as anti-GP sentiment within certain organizations. The New Zealand government is scrapping the Broadcasting Standards Authority in favor of a media self-regulation model. The Media and Communications Minister stated the existing BSA regime was designed for a rapidly disappearing broadcasting environment. The move follows shifts in how audiences consume content across traditional and on-demand services. Rural prices in New Zealand have been strong, and the country remains a strong food producer.

The Resource Management Act Reform Minister stated that treaty settlements must be protected and upheld during a local government restructuring. Local councils have been granted a three-month period to form proposals for amalgamation.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated New Zealand is in a good position with confirmed orders through the end of May and planned orders through the end of June. Luxon noted the country has been well organized with engagement across various economic sectors.

A New Zealand-based company is scaling up its technology production from kilogram to tonnage capacity. The company is working with a strategic partner from Australia to assist with funding. The leadership expressed 100% confidence in the future of the technology.

Private Capital Group and Altria Asset Management have launched new funds specifically for investing in New Zealand infrastructure. The firms stated they aim to address the country's infrastructure deficit.

Data from employment website Seek indicates that 50% of workers have received a pay rise in the past 12 months. The report suggests millennials are the demographic most likely to have seen salary increases during this period.

Retail New Zealand Chief Executive Carolyn Young stated that the Iran war and resulting fuel crisis have hit the retail sector badly. Young urged consumers to prioritize essential purchases such as school shoes, rain jackets, or household items.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins stated that the party's policy promise of three free doctor's visits per year is realistic. Rural Health Network chair Dr. Fiona Boldem urged a focus on workforce shortages instead of universal free visits.