Latest news with #ChrisPenk
NZ Herald
3 days ago
- General
- NZ Herald
Saying no to Kororāreka/Russell name change could be a missed opportunity
Two weeks ago, Land Information Minister Chris Penk announced that a proposal to rename the Far North town of Russell to its original Māori name of Kororāreka had been declined. This decision ended a four-year battle led by the Kororāreka Marae Society and, despite her disappointment, chairwoman Deb Rewiri
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Building Consent System Productivity On The Rise
Press Release – New Zealand Government Latest data shows 92.7 percent of building consent applications and 96.8 percent of code compliance certificates were processed within the statutory timeframe in the first quarter of 2025. Minister for Building and Construction Processing delays for building consents and code compliance certificates have dropped since the Government began publicly releasing council performance data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. 'One of the most common frustrations I've heard from tradies and aspiring homeowners since becoming Minister is how long it takes to get the paperwork sorted before building can begin. 'Just over a year ago, I directed MBIE to start publishing quarterly performance data so the Government could dig into the problem and show how well Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) are handling consent applications. 'The decision to put performance in the spotlight is paying off, and I wish to acknowledge councils who have moved quickly to expedite consenting processes. 'Latest data shows 92.7 percent of building consent applications and 96.8 percent of code compliance certificates were processed within the statutory timeframe in the first quarter of 2025. 'That's up from 88 percent and 93.6 percent respectively when reporting began last year. 'More work is getting done. In the first three months of 2025, 31,845 building consent applications, amendments and code compliance certificates were processed – almost 1,000 more than in the same period last year. 'These improvements reveal the impact of driving accountability, and we're just getting started. 'The Government is working hard to bring in practical reforms which will streamline the consent system and make building in New Zealand easier and more affordable. 'This includes new legislation empowering trusted building professionals to sign off their own work – slashing thousands of applications to ease system pressure, and requiring BCAs to conduct 80 percent of building inspections within three working days. 'This mandatory target will help councils prioritise their workloads more effectively. I expect the requirement to come into effect later this year. 'By setting clear standards and creating a regulatory system that drives building productivity, we will see more Kiwi families move into homes faster.' Notes:
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Building Consent System Productivity On The Rise
Press Release – New Zealand Government Latest data shows 92.7 percent of building consent applications and 96.8 percent of code compliance certificates were processed within the statutory timeframe in the first quarter of 2025. Minister for Building and Construction Processing delays for building consents and code compliance certificates have dropped since the Government began publicly releasing council performance data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. 'One of the most common frustrations I've heard from tradies and aspiring homeowners since becoming Minister is how long it takes to get the paperwork sorted before building can begin. 'Just over a year ago, I directed MBIE to start publishing quarterly performance data so the Government could dig into the problem and show how well Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) are handling consent applications. 'The decision to put performance in the spotlight is paying off, and I wish to acknowledge councils who have moved quickly to expedite consenting processes. 'Latest data shows 92.7 percent of building consent applications and 96.8 percent of code compliance certificates were processed within the statutory timeframe in the first quarter of 2025. 'That's up from 88 percent and 93.6 percent respectively when reporting began last year. 'More work is getting done. In the first three months of 2025, 31,845 building consent applications, amendments and code compliance certificates were processed – almost 1,000 more than in the same period last year. 'These improvements reveal the impact of driving accountability, and we're just getting started. 'The Government is working hard to bring in practical reforms which will streamline the consent system and make building in New Zealand easier and more affordable. 'This includes new legislation empowering trusted building professionals to sign off their own work – slashing thousands of applications to ease system pressure, and requiring BCAs to conduct 80 percent of building inspections within three working days. 'This mandatory target will help councils prioritise their workloads more effectively. I expect the requirement to come into effect later this year. 'By setting clear standards and creating a regulatory system that drives building productivity, we will see more Kiwi families move into homes faster.'
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Building Consent System Productivity On The Rise
Minister for Building and Construction Processing delays for building consents and code compliance certificates have dropped since the Government began publicly releasing council performance data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. 'One of the most common frustrations I've heard from tradies and aspiring homeowners since becoming Minister is how long it takes to get the paperwork sorted before building can begin. 'Just over a year ago, I directed MBIE to start publishing quarterly performance data so the Government could dig into the problem and show how well Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) are handling consent applications. 'The decision to put performance in the spotlight is paying off, and I wish to acknowledge councils who have moved quickly to expedite consenting processes. 'Latest data shows 92.7 percent of building consent applications and 96.8 percent of code compliance certificates were processed within the statutory timeframe in the first quarter of 2025. 'That's up from 88 percent and 93.6 percent respectively when reporting began last year. 'More work is getting done. In the first three months of 2025, 31,845 building consent applications, amendments and code compliance certificates were processed – almost 1,000 more than in the same period last year. 'These improvements reveal the impact of driving accountability, and we're just getting started. 'The Government is working hard to bring in practical reforms which will streamline the consent system and make building in New Zealand easier and more affordable. 'This includes new legislation empowering trusted building professionals to sign off their own work – slashing thousands of applications to ease system pressure, and requiring BCAs to conduct 80 percent of building inspections within three working days. 'This mandatory target will help councils prioritise their workloads more effectively. I expect the requirement to come into effect later this year. 'By setting clear standards and creating a regulatory system that drives building productivity, we will see more Kiwi families move into homes faster.'
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Excellence Celebrated At First-Ever Minister For Manufacturing Awards
Press Release – New Zealand Government Manufacturing fuels the economy by contributing over 8.4 percent to New Zealands GDP, generating more than 250,000 jobs and reinforcing our position as a global competitor, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing Chris Penk says. Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing Exceptional Kiwi businesses and outstanding individuals who are driving industry productivity, innovation and job creation have been honoured at New Zealand's inaugural Minister for Manufacturing Awards. 'Manufacturing fuels the economy by contributing over 8.4 percent to New Zealand's GDP, generating more than 250,000 jobs and reinforcing our position as a global competitor,' Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing Chris Penk says. 'The 2025 Minister for Manufacturing Awards celebrated the prosperity this industry drives and most importantly, the outstanding people behind it.' Held yesterday evening at Christchurch's premier industry showcase, SouthMACH, the event was hosted by Mr Penk in collaboration with Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa. 'The calibre of finalists and winners reflects the strength and diversity of New Zealand's manufacturing sector – from suppliers of sustainably harvested timber, to developers of ground-breaking recycling technologies and producers of life-saving medical equipment,' Mr Penk says. 'These businesses are led by innovative thinkers and powered by skilled, hard-working Kiwis. Their success is something we can all take pride in and shows that manufacturing will continue to play a significant role in shaping New Zealand into a world-class economy.' The awards recognise excellence across four key categories. The winners are: Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year supported by Enztec: Michael Vitale – Pacific Steel Michael is working towards his Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship through Competenz at Pacific Steel. His early completion of theory components and impressive focus on health and safety in example projects shows remarkable dedication, and his success has encouraged the company to open apprenticeships to other operations employees. Excellence in Manufacturing Leadership supported by Lawson Williams Consulting: Nathan Hay – Argus ManuTech Nathan Hay is a passionate manufacturing leader who has championed technology adoption, grown the workforce and empowered his team through focused upskilling. Mr Hays has led impactful partnerships, including med-tech ventures with MARS Bioimaging, that highlight how progressive manufacturing can drive positive social and environmental outcomes. Excellence in Process Innovation supported by Swell Group: Breadcraft Wairarapa Ltd Breadcraft Wairarapa is a fourth-generation artisan bakery that's been proudly baking in Masterton since 1942. Through innovative brands like Rebel Bakehouse, they're combining tradition, sustainability and creativity to lead New Zealand's baking evolution. Manufacturer of the Year supported by BNZ: Douglas Pharmaceuticals Douglas Pharmaceuticals specialises in high-barrier prescription medicines, produced in FDA and TGA-certified GMP facilities. They have grown from a family business into a people-focused industry leader that is continually innovating and delivering strong financial results. Douglas Pharmaceuticals sets the benchmark for NewZealand manufacturing and is a worthy recipient of this award. 'I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the outstanding businesses and individuals honoured at the awards ceremony, and a sincere thanks to everyone who entered and attended,' Mr Penk says 'Your dedication to building a thriving industry inspires the future generations of Kiwi makers and creators. I look forward to celebrating your achievements again at future Minister for Manufacturing Awards.'
