Chris' News

MP for Kaipara ki Mahurangi

3 Aug 2026Chris Penk

40,581 new homes consented in a year, up 19%

More than 40,000 new homes were consented in the year to June, pointing to a positive outlook for the sector, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk

15 Jul 2026Chris Penk

National to make it easier to build the future

National will make it easier to build shops, offices and other commercial buildings by removing unnecessary delays and costs in the building consent system, National’s Building

2 Jul 2026Chris Penk

Backing Kiwi veterans with support extension

A further 1300 Defence veterans will have their service to New Zealand recognised through health, rehabilitation and financial support for deployment-related conditions, Veterans Minister Chris Penk

2 Jul 2026Chris Penk

Landmark bill to improve the building system and boost growth

Building system reforms are set to make construction easier, faster and more affordable while also strengthening protections for homeowners, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.

17 Jun 2026Simon Watts · Chris Penk

Speeding up council reports to get building faster

New changes are halving the amount of time councils can take to issue Project Information Memorandums (PIMs), allowing building work to get underway more quickly, Building

11 Jun 2026Chris Penk

New Zealand signs defence arrangement with Timor-Leste

New Zealand and Timor-Leste have signed an updated defence cooperation arrangement, Defence Minister Chris Penk says. “This was an excellent opportunity to review and restate our

27 May 2026Chris Penk

Defence Minister to visit Singapore for global security conference

Defence Minister Chris Penk will travel to Singapore this week to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue, an international security conference focused on issues confronting the Indo-Pacific region.

23 May 2026Chris Penk

Budget 2026 shores up maritime security

The Government is investing in drone systems, critical ship maintenance and work to replace our aging naval fleet as it bolsters New Zealand’s maritime defensive and

21 May 2026Chris Penk

Defence supports efforts to train Ukrainian military

The New Zealand Defence Force has joined a new multi-national initiative led by Norway to train Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel in Poland, Defence Minister Chris

15 May 2026Chris Penk

First Kiwi Space Activators announced

Space Minister Chris Penk today announced the first recipients of the Kiwi Space Activator, a pilot programme helping to move novel space technology from the lab

7 May 2026Chris Penk

Frigate project progress key for maritime security

The Government is progressing work to replace the Royal New Zealand Navy’s aging frigates as part of broader efforts to strengthen New Zealand’s Defence capability, Defence

2 Apr 2026Chris Penk · James Meager

Unlocking economic potential for high country farms

Rule changes freeing up high country farmers to make the most of their land will unlock economic opportunities, support job creation and strengthen regional economies, Land

1 Apr 2026Chris Penk · Scott Simpson

Open Banking to power business growth

Open Banking will be extended to business banking channels, opening the door to a broad range of tools and services for businesses, Commerce and Consumer Affairs

17 Mar 2026Chris Penk

Inquiry into the Fatal Landslides in Tauranga

Cabinet has agreed the Terms of Reference and membership for a Government Inquiry into the Fatal Landslides in Tauranga, Emergency Management and Recovery Associate Minister Chris

5 Mar 2026Chris Penk

Second private Building Consent Authority approved

The launch of New Zealand’s second private Building Consent Authority (BCA) will add competition and capacity to the building consent system, Building and Construction Minister Chris

17 Feb 2026Paul Goldsmith · Chris Penk

All wartime service now honoured on Anzac Day

Legislation to formally recognise all those who have served New Zealand in times of war as part of Anzac Day commemorations has passed in Parliament today.

11 Feb 2026Chris Penk

Nearly 40,000 more building products approved

Thousands more plumbing and drainage products already used widely in Australia can now be accessed easily by Kiwi tradies and do-it-yourself homeowners. “The Government is focused

15 Jan 2026Chris Bishop · Chris Penk

Granny flat consent exemption takes effect

New Zealanders can now build granny flats in their backyards without needing building or resource consents, marking a milestone in the Coalition Government’s effort to expand