World / Economics US keeps de minimis suspension, orders duties on postal parcels from 24 February Executive order locks in end of the US$800 duty-free threshold and instructs postal carriers to collect a temporary surcharge-based duty, a change that will be felt by exporters and online retailers shipping to American customers.
World / Economics US lifts emergency tariffs from 2025 orders, but de minimis clampdown and import surcharge remain The White House has ended a suite of IEEPA-based ad valorem duties, while leaving national emergencies, a separate temporary import surcharge, and the suspension of duty-free de minimis intact.
Government / Economics Government says US Supreme Court move could shift 15% tariffs on NZ goods, but details unclear Wellington reports exports have held up despite the US tariff; Embassy seeking clarity after court announcement as uncertainty persists.
Government / Economics $3.5m over five years to restore 3,000ha burned in Tongariro fires Funding from the International Visitor Levy will back weed and pest control, biodiversity monitoring and deer management, in partnership with Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro.
Government / Economics Government loans $2m for planning work on Falls Dam replacement The funding kicks off two years of consenting and design for the 90-year-old structure, with irrigators matching the spend; construction remains uncommitted.
Government / Economics Queensland fruit fly ruled out in Mt Roskill; fruit and vege controls lifted The lifting of the Mt Roskill controls follows six weeks of trapping and checks after a single Queensland fruit fly was found in early January.
Economics / New Zealand Machinery and electronics imports hit $19.9b, nearly a quarter of all imports Stats NZ says China expanded its lead as the primary supplier, while Viet Nam’s share in phones and computers rose sharply.
Government / Economics Government eases Auckland intensification targets, opens door to scaling back Plan Change 120 Housing Minister Chris Bishop has dropped a key capacity rule and ordered a look at the CBD’s unlimited height settings, giving the council more room to decide where growth goes.
Government / Economics NZeTA trial via Australia brings 36,800 visits; ministers cite $210m spend The Government says a temporary NZeTA pathway for Chinese and Pacific travellers coming from Australia has delivered a sharp lift in arrivals, most of them landing in the South Island.
Government / Economics Government lowers Auckland housing capacity floor to 1.6m, shifts density to transit hubs RMA change will give the Council scope to pare back blanket upzoning while focusing growth around the City Rail Link, rapid transit and centres; 10,000 submissions stay live, CBD rules under review, and a fix is coming for 400 stalled MDRS projects.
World / Economics Trump invokes Defense Production Act to prioritise US supply of phosphorus and glyphosate The order hands the Agriculture Secretary broad allocation powers over two inputs tied to defence manufacturing and farm production, with possible flow-on effects for global markets.
Government / Economics Clubs to get option of bar-style licences under alcohol law change Government move would let sports clubs and RSAs serve the public under on-licences, ending reliance on one-off special licences.
