Latest news with #NewZealandGazette
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Tertiary Study Subsidy Boost In Priority Subjects
Minister for Universities Hon Penny Simmonds Minister for Vocational Education The Government is backing the tertiary system with new investment in study that delivers the greatest value for students and for New Zealand, Minister for Universities Dr Shane Reti and Minister for Vocational Education Penny Simmonds announced today. 'Budget 2025 invests an extra $398 million in tertiary education over the next four years. We need to grow our domestic pipeline of skilled workers to support the growing economy,' Dr Reti says. Ms Simmonds says, 'When considering subsidies, we focused on workforce demand areas where study adds the greatest value – both for students planning their futures, and for the wider economy that relies on their skills. 'These subjects often lead to rewarding careers and contribute to productivity and growth in sectors like health, energy, infrastructure and digital technology,' she says. The Budget tertiary system investment includes: · $213 million to provide a 3 per cent increase in tuition and training subsidies in many subjects across all levels of tertiary study. The extra funding will be ongoing from 2026. · $64 million for an additional 1.75 per cent lift in tertiary education subsidies at degree level and above in high demand 'STEM' subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), along with Initial Teacher Education and other priority health workforce areas. This is on top of the broader 3 per cent increase, meaning that, in total, the STEM and other higher-priority subjects will attract a 4.75 per cent tuition cost subsidy increase at degree level and above. $111 million to fund forecast enrolment in 2025 and 2026. This includes ongoing funding for another 175 Youth Guarantee students a year – this scheme provides fees-free tertiary tuition at Levels 1–3 to help young people move to higher-level study or work. Budget 2025 proposes an annual maximum fee rise of 6 per cent for 2026 to further help providers manage cost pressures and maintain quality delivery. 'The proposed maximum rate reflects that fees have lagged behind inflation in recent years, making it harder for providers to maintain course quality. I will consult on the proposed fee increase later in 2025 through a notice published in the New Zealand Gazette,' Mr Reti says. 'Together, the targeted funding rate increases, and the proposed fee increase will support tertiary education and training providers to sustain the quality of provision and further invest in priority areas,' the ministers say. Changes to funding for vocational education and training will provide some additional support during the transition away from Te Pūkenga to the redesigned system. The new Industry Skills Boards will receive ongoing funding of $30 million a year for industry-led standards-setting alongside Budget funding for a one-off $10 million in 2025/26 towards establishment costs. 'Provider-based delivery in priority areas, including engineering, trades and primary industries will receive a boost to funding rates. There will also be funding available for two years from 2026 for institutes of technology and polytechnics during their transition to greater independence,' Ms Simmonds says. 'In developing the Budget package, we have reprioritised funding to focus on core activities and to further support frontline tertiary education services. 'Taken together, these initiatives support a sustainable tertiary education and training sector that will lift student achievement and contribute to growing the New Zealand economy.'
Scoop
21-04-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Podiatrist Prescribers Will Increase Access To Medicines
Minister of Health Regulations that will soon allow podiatrists to prescribe certain medicines have been approved, giving patients with painful foot and leg conditions better access to healthcare, Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced. 'Enabling podiatrists to be able to prescribe medicines is all part of our Government's commitment to ensuring Kiwis have access to timely, quality healthcare in their communities,' Mr Brown says. 'Podiatrists play a critical role in managing a range of conditions affecting feet and lower limbs, including symptoms of chronic health conditions like diabetes, which impact many New Zealanders. 'New regulations will give podiatrists the authority to prescribe medicines relating to their role, enabling patients to have more direct access to the medicines for these conditions. 'This means podiatrists will join other health professions that have designated prescriber rights, including specially trained nurses, dieticians, and pharmacists. Medicines will include some oral painkillers and oral antibiotics, and some topical antifungals, topical steroids, and local anaesthetics. 'Podiatrists usually work in community and rural settings. They are particularly important for helping manage diabetes or health conditions of older people, as people with diabetes and older people are vulnerable to nerve and circulation problems, both of which can lead to foot and leg sores and infections. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading 'These changes will allow podiatrists to prescribe medicines directly, so patients can access the treatments they need without requiring extra GP appointments for the same condition. 'The Government has also recently announced changes to prescriber regulations to give nurse practitioners and other professions increased prescribing rights within their scope of practice. 'By expanding access to medicines and enabling health professionals to get on with their jobs, we can make it easier and quicker for people to get the care they need in their communities, closer to home,' Mr Brown says. Notes: New regulations enabling podiatrist prescribers were published in the New Zealand Gazette on 17 April 2025. The Podiatrists Board will develop a scope of practice and training requirements for podiatrist prescribers. Podiatrists who have current annual practising certificates will be eligible to train as prescribers, with the first to undertake training in 2026. The first podiatrist prescribers are likely to begin working from late 2026 to early 2027. Designated Podiatrist prescribers will be able to prescribe medicines specified by the Director-General of Health through a notice in the New Zealand Gazette. These medicines will include some oral painkillers and oral antibiotics, and some topical antifungals, topical steroids, and local anaesthetics. These changes bring New Zealand in line with other countries, including Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Body Shop NZ enters liquidation with store closures and job losses
Cosmetics and beauty retailer The Body Shop's operations in New Zealand have entered liquidation, resulting in the cessation of all storefront operations and the loss of 70 jobs. An announcement on The Body Shop's website confirms that all bricks-and-mortar locations have ceased operations indefinitely, and the online store has halted order fulfilment. A statement on the website reads: "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued customers for your unwavering support throughout the years. Your passion for our products and ethical values has meant everything to us." Official records from the New Zealand Gazette indicate that the liquidation process commenced on 27 March 2025, with Neale Jackson and Daniel Stoneman from Calibre Partners as its liquidators. The website states that: 'the undersigned does hereby fix 15 April 2025 as the date on or before which creditors of the company are to make their claims and to establish any priority their claims may have under section 312 of the Companies Act 1993'. Signals of distress were evident in January when The Body Shop NZ engaged voluntary administrators. It disclosed that efforts to find a purchaser for the New Zealand division had been unsuccessful, leading to initiatives aimed at selling off inventory and dismantling business activities. The company maintained a network of 16 retail outlets, employing 70 full-time staff, as reported by Radio New Zealand. According to the initial liquidation report, the company's total liabilities exceed $12m. The company possessed cash assets exceeding $2m, which are subject to the final costs of administration, as reported by local news media website Its parent entity in the UK avoided a similar fate in September 2024 when Aurea Group acquired its 113 UK stores and assumed control over its Australian and North American holdings. The Body Shop UK business was placed into administration in February 2024. "Body Shop NZ enters liquidation with store closures and job losses" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
