Dr. SHANE RETI

Connecting with Lee Schouskoff from Northern Cochlear Implant Trust – changing lives. 👂
My office is open Monday to Friday and we’re here to help.

Mexxej tajjeb irid ikun lest f'kull triq għas-solidarjetà tal-prijoritajiet nazzjonali.

FamilyBoost Data for Whangārei: Inland Revenue has paid out $1,241,375 to 1,283 Whangārei households so far. If you haven’t already registered, then check out FamilyBoost at www.ird.govt.nz/familyboost 👛👧👦
My office is open Monday to Friday and we’re here to help.
#Whangārei, #Northland, #IRD

BREAKING: 🌿 $42m investment in bioeconomy science and innovation for a stronger NZ economy

What a strong example of community and innovation coming together, hand-in-hand with the Government’s priorities in health and employment.

outcomes through their Healthy Families South Auckland initiative.

It was also great to learn they secured a Whānau Ora Commissioning Services contract, establishing the Tātou Collective! This is a huge milestone in strengthening Pacific data and improving evidence-based policy and services.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting The Cause Collective to hear about the important work they’re doing for Pacific communities.

They’re supporting young people into employment, equipping them with the digital and creative skills to succeed, as well as delivering broader

Proud to see public-good science driving economic growth.

This new hub is a strong investment in the future. It will enable our producers to meet the world’s most rigorous standards, adopt cutting-edge technologies like biotechnology and AI, and uphold New Zealand’s global reputation for safe, high-quality food.

🧬🧪🔬 A great morning celebrating 150 years of AsureQuality’s contribution to New Zealand’s food safety and primary industries. Minister Brown and I had the privilege of officially opening their redeveloped Lynfield laboratory, the largest of its kind in Australasia.

Celebrating the start of Tuvalu Language Week with Dr Shane Reti, Minister for Pacific Peoples 🌺

Recent Crime Stats: Whangārei Police Foot Patrols have increased from 129 in the first six months of 2024 to 443 in the first six months of 2025. That’s a huge 243.41 % increase! 👮‍♀️👮‍♂️
My office is open Monday to Friday and we’re here to help.

👩‍💻 Employment up 29% in 2024, with 321 new jobs
🎮 Studios like Grinding Gear Games and PikPok leading the way

This is about more than games – it’s high-tech jobs, export growth, and showcasing Kiwi creativity on the world stage. 🚀

We’re also continuing the Game Development Sector Rebate to give developers ongoing support.
New Zealand’s game industry is booming:
💰 $513M in revenue in 2024, projected to hit $1B by 2027

This means more grants for prototypes, production, and travel, helping Kiwi studios reach global markets. 🌏

💡 CODE-supported studios already have a 40% success rate with publishers – way above the global average of 1.6%!

🎮 Backing New Zealand’s Game Developers!

At the NZGDA Conference this morning, I announced the Government is more than doubling funding for the Centre of Digital Excellence (CODE) – adding $2.75M per year from 2026, bringing total funding to $5M!

Every child deserves to learn in a warm, safe, and dry classroom.

That’s why we’re investing in every school across New Zealand, upgrading essentials like heating and roofing. More opportunities for tradies to get involved! 🛠

Govt announced a massive $413m investment for warm, safe, dry classrooms, covering maintenance work for every school in NZ.

A pleasure to watch the Northern region year 16s rugby festival at Pohe island last weekend

Pleased to have Minister Chris Bishop in Whangārei last week speaking at the Northland Chamber of Commerce. Chris delivered an update on RMA, the Northland Expressway, and Housing. 🛠 🚙 🏠
Photo: Hon Dr Shane Reti, Leah McKerro, Hon Chris Bishop, Grant McCallum

Progress update on the Whangārei Hospital Development:
🩹 Child Health Unit construction powering.
🚙 New carparks for patients, whānau, & staff.
🩺 Radiation Oncology facility to be completed in 2026.

Since 1975, our nations have shared a strong and enduring partnership built on mutual respect, regional cooperation, and deep people-to-people ties. We look forward to continuing our journey together as close Pacific neighbours and friends.

Congratulations to Papua New Guinea on 50 years of independence and 50 years of diplomatic relations with New Zealand this week!

It was an honour to attend the 50th Independence event on Tuesday and offer a toast, hosted by the Papua New Guinea High Commission, celebrating this milestone.

Applications for the first phase of funding will open in late October, with details available soon on the MBIE website.
This investment will position New Zealand at the forefront of technology, creating high-value jobs, and ensuring our science and innovation system drives long-term economic growth.

This investment will:
✅ Build world-class AI research capability
✅ Foster strong research-industry partnerships
✅ Create clear pathways from research to commercialisation

AI is transforming economies worldwide, and New Zealand has real opportunities to lead in areas where we have a competitive edge to boost productivity and drive economic growth.

Today I announced the Government’s second major investment through the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology – up to $70 million over seven years to accelerate AI research and commercialisation.

A fantastic morning speaking at the AI Summit on New Zealand’s 2025 AI Strategy, and the value of AI in New Zealand’s science, innovation and technology sectors.

#BREAKING: We're committing up to $70 million to accelerate AI research and innovation.

This morning, I was pleased to attend a celebration and watch the launch with a crowd of other passionate supporters of the project.

👏 Congratulations to all the researchers, engineers, and collaborators who made this possible. I can’t wait to see what discoveries lie ahead! 🌍✨