Louise's News

MP for Taupō

3 Mar 2026Louise Upston

Traffic light system proves results

An evaluation has found MSD clients are more on top of their job search responsibilities under the Government's traffic light system, Social Development and Employment Minister

17 Feb 2026Louise Upston

Government to clarify welfare and ACC payments

The Government is introducing legislation to clarify the law on the impact of ACC payments on welfare entitlement and ensure the process is fair. Social Development

16 Feb 2026Chris Bishop · Simeon Brown · Louise Upston

More gigs, more goals, more growth: Eden Park planning restrictions eased

The Government is building Eden Park’s future as a major events venue, making significant changes to local planning rules that have been holding Eden Park back

16 Feb 2026Louise Upston

State of Origin heads to New Zealand

In an historic moment, New Zealand will host its first-ever State of Origin match next year at Eden Park, a major event expected to draw thousands

11 Feb 2026Louise Upston

Louise Upston Update Happy New Year 2026

Minister's News Employment Stats Stats NZ figures out last week show an extra 15,000 people got jobs in the last three months of 2025, and hours

11 Feb 2026Louise Upston

International Convention Centre a major win for tourism and hospitality

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has welcomed the official opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), the country’s largest conference, exhibition and entertainment

10 Feb 2026Louise Upston

Full steam ahead: more events set to ignite 2026

The Government is investing in a suite of events from the Bay of Islands to Tekapo, as part of its $70 million Major Events and Tourism

10 Feb 2026Louise Upston

Disability support improvements begin

From this week, a new nationally consistent approach will begin to benefit disabled people, families and carers who use supports funded by Disability Support Services (DSS).

3 Feb 2026Louise Upston

Driver Licence Support programme changing lives

Helping New Zealand job seekers get their driver licence is one of the best ways to help them get a job and Government-funded driver training is

29 Jan 2026Louise Upston

Emergency payments following North Island Severe Weather Event

Civil Defence payments will be available for people affected by the severe weather in specific areas of Northland, Bay of Plenty and East Coast to help

15 Jan 2026Louise Upston

Regional Tourism Boost: welcoming more visitors

More international visitors will be exploring regional New Zealand this year, thanks to a $3.69 million investment from the second round of the Government’s Regional Tourism

11 Dec 2025Erica Stanford · Louise Upston

First 10,000 visitors through visa-waiver travel from Australia

New Zealand’s economy is already benefiting from the new visa-free pathway for Chinese and Pacific travellers with eligible Australian visas, with more than 13,000 visitors already

4 Dec 2025Erica Stanford · Louise Upston

Welcome boost to tourism as new flight route lands in Auckland

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston and Immigration Minister Erica Stanford are welcoming the first China Eastern Airlines flight connecting Shanghai, Auckland and Buenos Aires, marking

3 Dec 2025Louise Upston

Amped to the max: first boost for Kiwi events

The first tranche of the Government’s major events funding announced today showcases many exciting international and homegrown music acts, sports matches, arts and cultural events kicking

30 Nov 2025Louise Upston

Louise Upston Update - November 2025

Minister's News Air New Zealand's First Electric Plane It was exciting to be at Hamilton Airport for the recent launch of Air New Zealand's first electric

20 Nov 2025Louise Upston

Making New Zealand a better place for young Kiwis

The Government is marking World's Children Day by reinforcing its commitment to make New Zealand a better place for young Kiwis to grow up in and

13 Nov 2025Louise Upston

Aussies lead the way in tourism growth

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has welcomed official stats out today showing continued growth in New Zealand’s overseas visitor numbers, with Australian tourists continuing to

6 Nov 2025Louise Upston

Michelin adds New Zealand to the menu

New Zealand is welcoming the Michelin Guide for the first time, showcasing our country’s incredible food and wine to an international audience, as well as boosting