Latest news with #MBIE
Scoop
an hour ago
- Business
- Scoop
E-Bike Upgrades For New Zealand Cycle Trails
Press Release – New Zealand Government The first round of the Electrifying the Great Rides Fund approved $478,750 of co-funding to install 10 e-bike charging stations on two Great Rides. The second round will open on 1 August 2025 for one month. Applicants will be able to find more information … Minister for Tourism and Hospitality The Government is boosting economic growth in the regions by supporting Hawke's Bay Trails and the Remutaka Cycle Trail to set up e-bike charging stations with more regions set to benefit from a second funding round, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. 'We launched the $3 million Electrifying the Great Rides Fund last year to make our cycle trails more accessible and appealing, both to international tourists and kiwis looking to explore more of their backyard,' Louise Upston says. 'They play an absolutely crucial role in attracting visitors to our regions, supporting our local businesses, jobs and communities. 'We're pleased to be supporting investment in our Great Rides and hope more trails will take up the opportunity with the second round of funding opening shortly.' The first round of the Electrifying the Great Rides Fund approved $478,750 of co-funding to install 10 e-bike charging stations on two Great Rides. Hawke's Bay Trails will install e-bike charging stations at six locations outside adjacent business premises and i-SITEs, as will the Remutaka Cycle Trail at four popular business premises along that trail. 'In the second round of funding, we've expanded the eligibility criteria to include not only the Great Rides but the Heartland and Connector Rides which are part of the wider Ngā Haerenga, New Zealand Cycle Trail network,' Louise Upston says. 'By opening up the criteria, we're able to make our rural and remote trails much more accessible to visitors wanting to see more of our beautiful country.' The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is also working with sector partners to refresh the broader New Zealand Cycle Trail programme. 'Demand for nature-based tourism experiences is only increasing – which means our cycle trails are even more important as people seek out more environmentally friendly experiences,' Louise Upston says. 'By investing in our cycle trails we are directly supporting our local tourism operators and driving economic growth in our regions.' The second round will open on 1 August 2025 for one month. Applicants will be able to find more information on the MBIE website from 30 June 2025. Opening up the fund to Heartland and Connector Rides means that territorial authorities and community groups supported by their local council will be eligible to apply.
Scoop
an hour ago
- Business
- Scoop
CAMA Calls For Fair And Future-Proof Radio Spectrum Access
Press Release – Community Access Media Alliance While MBIEs review largely focuses on commercial licence holders, CAMA warns that indirect consequences, such as pricing changes or lost access to reserved spectrum, could jeopardise the viability of its member organisations, particularly amid rising … The Community Access Media Alliance (CAMA) is urging the Government to safeguard non-commercial broadcasters in the upcoming reassignment of AM/FM radio spectrum, as all existing licences expire in 2031. In a submission to the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE), CAMA has called for long-term, affordable, and equitable spectrum access for Aotearoa's 12 Community Access Media organisations. These stations serve as a public-interest vehicle for content made by, for, and about underrepresented groups. 'These are not just frequencies, they are lifelines for Māori, Pacific, migrant, disabled, rural, and multilingual communities who are too often overlooked by mainstream media,' says CAMA Chair Phil Grey. The submission supports differentiated policy settings for non-commercial broadcasters, including: 20-year or longer licence durations to enable long-term investment and planning; Exemptions from commercial pricing models, recognising the unique role of public-interest media; Retention, expansion and access to reserved spectrum in-kind, for public-serving non-commercial broadcasters; and A 'public interest broadcaster' category for public-mandated, non-commercial media organisations. While MBIE's review largely focuses on commercial licence holders, CAMA warns that indirect consequences, such as pricing changes or lost access to reserved spectrum, could jeopardise the viability of its member organisations, particularly amid rising operational costs and limited funding. 'Our stations are already providing essential services, from emergency broadcasts to multilingual programming and programming by groups with no access to media services – and on shoestring budgets,' says Grey. 'They should not be penalised by commercial models that fail to reflect their social value. This is an issue of historical, cultural, and democratic importance'. CAMA's submission draws on international examples, including UNESCO guidance, that recognise the importance of sustainable financing and spectrum access for community broadcasters as vital pillars of democratic infrastructure. Grey says the review also offers an opportunity: 'If we get this right, we can future-proof the sector for the next generation, ensure Aotearoa honours its Tiriti obligations, and protect access to information for all communities – not just those with commercial clout.' CAMA is calling on MBIE to work alongside the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, NZ On Air, Te Māngai Pāho, and Te Puni Kōkiri to deliver a joined-up approach to policy, pricing, and spectrum planning that reflects the real-world needs of non-commercial broadcasters.
Scoop
2 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
CAMA Calls For Fair And Future-Proof Radio Spectrum Access
Press Release – Community Access Media Alliance While MBIEs review largely focuses on commercial licence holders, CAMA warns that indirect consequences, such as pricing changes or lost access to reserved spectrum, could jeopardise the viability of its member organisations, particularly amid rising … The Community Access Media Alliance (CAMA) is urging the Government to safeguard non-commercial broadcasters in the upcoming reassignment of AM/FM radio spectrum, as all existing licences expire in 2031. In a submission to the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE), CAMA has called for long-term, affordable, and equitable spectrum access for Aotearoa's 12 Community Access Media organisations. These stations serve as a public-interest vehicle for content made by, for, and about underrepresented groups. 'These are not just frequencies, they are lifelines for Māori, Pacific, migrant, disabled, rural, and multilingual communities who are too often overlooked by mainstream media,' says CAMA Chair Phil Grey. The submission supports differentiated policy settings for non-commercial broadcasters, including: 20-year or longer licence durations to enable long-term investment and planning; Exemptions from commercial pricing models, recognising the unique role of public-interest media; Retention, expansion and access to reserved spectrum in-kind, for public-serving non-commercial broadcasters; and A 'public interest broadcaster' category for public-mandated, non-commercial media organisations. While MBIE's review largely focuses on commercial licence holders, CAMA warns that indirect consequences, such as pricing changes or lost access to reserved spectrum, could jeopardise the viability of its member organisations, particularly amid rising operational costs and limited funding. 'Our stations are already providing essential services, from emergency broadcasts to multilingual programming and programming by groups with no access to media services – and on shoestring budgets,' says Grey. 'They should not be penalised by commercial models that fail to reflect their social value. This is an issue of historical, cultural, and democratic importance'. CAMA's submission draws on international examples, including UNESCO guidance, that recognise the importance of sustainable financing and spectrum access for community broadcasters as vital pillars of democratic infrastructure. Grey says the review also offers an opportunity: 'If we get this right, we can future-proof the sector for the next generation, ensure Aotearoa honours its Tiriti obligations, and protect access to information for all communities – not just those with commercial clout.' CAMA is calling on MBIE to work alongside the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, NZ On Air, Te Māngai Pāho, and Te Puni Kōkiri to deliver a joined-up approach to policy, pricing, and spectrum planning that reflects the real-world needs of non-commercial broadcasters.
Scoop
2 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
E-Bike Upgrades For New Zealand Cycle Trails
Press Release – New Zealand Government The first round of the Electrifying the Great Rides Fund approved $478,750 of co-funding to install 10 e-bike charging stations on two Great Rides. The second round will open on 1 August 2025 for one month. Applicants will be able to find more information … Minister for Tourism and Hospitality The Government is boosting economic growth in the regions by supporting Hawke's Bay Trails and the Remutaka Cycle Trail to set up e-bike charging stations with more regions set to benefit from a second funding round, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. 'We launched the $3 million Electrifying the Great Rides Fund last year to make our cycle trails more accessible and appealing, both to international tourists and kiwis looking to explore more of their backyard,' Louise Upston says. 'They play an absolutely crucial role in attracting visitors to our regions, supporting our local businesses, jobs and communities. 'We're pleased to be supporting investment in our Great Rides and hope more trails will take up the opportunity with the second round of funding opening shortly.' The first round of the Electrifying the Great Rides Fund approved $478,750 of co-funding to install 10 e-bike charging stations on two Great Rides. Hawke's Bay Trails will install e-bike charging stations at six locations outside adjacent business premises and i-SITEs, as will the Remutaka Cycle Trail at four popular business premises along that trail. 'In the second round of funding, we've expanded the eligibility criteria to include not only the Great Rides but the Heartland and Connector Rides which are part of the wider Ngā Haerenga, New Zealand Cycle Trail network,' Louise Upston says. 'By opening up the criteria, we're able to make our rural and remote trails much more accessible to visitors wanting to see more of our beautiful country.' The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is also working with sector partners to refresh the broader New Zealand Cycle Trail programme. 'Demand for nature-based tourism experiences is only increasing – which means our cycle trails are even more important as people seek out more environmentally friendly experiences,' Louise Upston says. 'By investing in our cycle trails we are directly supporting our local tourism operators and driving economic growth in our regions.' The second round will open on 1 August 2025 for one month. Applicants will be able to find more information on the MBIE website from 30 June 2025. Opening up the fund to Heartland and Connector Rides means that territorial authorities and community groups supported by their local council will be eligible to apply.
Scoop
4 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
CAMA Calls For Fair And Future-Proof Radio Spectrum Access
The Community Access Media Alliance (CAMA) is urging the Government to safeguard non-commercial broadcasters in the upcoming reassignment of AM/FM radio spectrum, as all existing licences expire in 2031. In a submission to the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE), CAMA has called for long-term, affordable, and equitable spectrum access for Aotearoa's 12 Community Access Media organisations. These stations serve as a public-interest vehicle for content made by, for, and about underrepresented groups. 'These are not just frequencies, they are lifelines for Māori, Pacific, migrant, disabled, rural, and multilingual communities who are too often overlooked by mainstream media,' says CAMA Chair Phil Grey. The submission supports differentiated policy settings for non-commercial broadcasters, including: 20-year or longer licence durations to enable long-term investment and planning; Exemptions from commercial pricing models, recognising the unique role of public-interest media; Retention, expansion and access to reserved spectrum in-kind, for public-serving non-commercial broadcasters; and A 'public interest broadcaster' category for public-mandated, non-commercial media organisations. While MBIE's review largely focuses on commercial licence holders, CAMA warns that indirect consequences, such as pricing changes or lost access to reserved spectrum, could jeopardise the viability of its member organisations, particularly amid rising operational costs and limited funding. 'Our stations are already providing essential services, from emergency broadcasts to multilingual programming and programming by groups with no access to media services - and on shoestring budgets,' says Grey. 'They should not be penalised by commercial models that fail to reflect their social value. This is an issue of historical, cultural, and democratic importance'. CAMA's submission draws on international examples, including UNESCO guidance, that recognise the importance of sustainable financing and spectrum access for community broadcasters as vital pillars of democratic infrastructure. Grey says the review also offers an opportunity: 'If we get this right, we can future-proof the sector for the next generation, ensure Aotearoa honours its Tiriti obligations, and protect access to information for all communities – not just those with commercial clout.' CAMA is calling on MBIE to work alongside the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, NZ On Air, Te Māngai Pāho, and Te Puni Kōkiri to deliver a joined-up approach to policy, pricing, and spectrum planning that reflects the real-world needs of non-commercial broadcasters.
