Today Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard, along with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, announced a $79 million boost over three years for tourism and farming by stopping the spread of wilding pines.

The work will be concentrated around Queenstown, the Mackenzie Basin, the North Island’s Central Plateau, and New Zealand’s largest farm in South Marlborough.

The extra funding will take the total for stopping the spread of wilding pines to $109m over the next three years.

Hoggard joined Tim Beveridge to chat about the pines and their negative impact on our environment. 

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Today Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard, along with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, announced a $79 million boost over three years for tourism and farming by stopping the spread of wilding pines.
The work will be concentrated around Queenstown, the Mackenzie Basin, the North Island’s Central Plateau, and New Zealand’s largest farm in South Marlborough.
The extra funding will take the total for stopping the spread of wilding pines to $109m over the next three years.
Hoggard joined Tim Beveridge to chat about the pines and their negative impact on our environment.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

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Politics Central

Andrew Hoggard: Biosecurity Minister announces $79 million to axe wilding pines

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GP fees could be frozen for 12 months from July under a proposed Health NZ shake-up of the funding system.

Under the proposals, around 60 percent of practices would receive increased funding through capitation re-weighting and annual funding increased.

Overall funding for GPs would reportedly increase by six percent, as part of a $120.6 million injection for primary health. 

Health Minister Simeon Brown joined the Weekend Collective to unpack the overhaul.

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GP fees could be frozen for 12 months from July under a proposed Health NZ shake-up of the funding system.
Under the proposals, around 60 percent of practices would receive increased funding through capitation re-weighting and annual funding increased.
Overall funding for GPs would reportedly increase by six percent, as part of a $120.6 million injection for primary health.&nbsp;
Health Minister Simeon Brown joined the Weekend Collective to unpack the overhaul.
LISTEN ABOVE

Simeon Brown: Health Minister on the Government's changes to the Medicines Act

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/194504a4-da28-46a4-b4d6-b462004637e7/transcript

Christopher Luxon has returned from Queensland, after meeting with Anthony Albanese with a group of New Zealand businesses. 

No announcements have been unveiled, but the leaders discussed defence options and Luxon has been eying opportunities to get involved in the 2032 Olympics. 

NZ Herald deputy political editor Adam Pearse joined the Weekend Collective to discuss.

LISTEN ABOVE

Christopher Luxon has returned from Queensland, after meeting with Anthony Albanese with a group of New Zealand businesses.&nbsp;
No announcements have been unveiled, but the leaders discussed defence options and Luxon has been eying opportunities to get involved in the 2032 Olympics.&nbsp;
NZ Herald deputy political editor Adam Pearse joined the Weekend Collective to discuss.
LISTEN ABOVE

Adam Pearse: NZ Herald deputy political editor on Chris Luxon's visit to Australia

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/10340b2f-ad49-4e05-82b8-b462004541ca/transcript

The Government says this year's budget especially strengthens Auckland's role as New Zealand's economic engine room.

They point out that they're investing in health, including funding to purchase land for a future South Auckland Hospital, and a share of the Government's $5.5-billion health package.

Additionally, they highlight plans for housing growth with a new $400-million fund for councils to enable more homes.

Lastly, they're putting aside a billion for rail improvements, and another billion for school upgrades. 

But Mayor Wayne Brown says the devil is in the detail - and we'll need more clarity into a timeline of these initiatives, along with an explanation of how the Government's funding their share of the CRL.

So what do these investments actually mean for Aucklanders - and how confident can we be in keeping a globally competitive city? 

Minister for Auckland Simon Watts talks to Tim Beveridge to discuss...

LISTEN ABOVE

The Government says this year's budget especially strengthens Auckland's role as New Zealand's economic engine room.
They point out that they're investing in health, including funding to purchase land for a future South Auckland Hospital, and a share of the Government's $5.5-billion health package.
Additionally, they highlight plans for housing growth with a new $400-million fund for councils to enable more homes.
Lastly, they're putting aside a billion for rail improvements, and another billion for school upgrades.&nbsp;
But Mayor Wayne Brown says the devil is in the detail - and we'll need more clarity into a timeline of these initiatives, along with an explanation of how the Government's funding their share of the CRL.
So what do these investments actually mean for Aucklanders - and how confident can we be in keeping a globally competitive city?&nbsp;
Minister for Auckland Simon Watts talks to Tim Beveridge to discuss...
LISTEN ABOVE

Simon Watts: Auckland Minister says Budget 2026 delivers for Auckland, despite Mayor's pessimism

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/8e4d7a0f-8a41-4fd2-ba38-b45b0044c5d4/transcript

Andrew Hoggard: Biosecurity Minister announces $79 million to axe wilding pines

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