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The Government has extended KiwiRail’s lease of railway land by 100 years, unlocking the commercial potential of billions of dollars in Crown property, Rail Minister Winston Peters says. “New Zealanders have invested in their railway estate for generations, and we must make those assets work harder for taxpayers,” Mr Peters says. “Across the country, valuable railway land sits vacant or underused.
Exploratory research work into the commercial viability of hydrogen resources in Southland will be accelerated by a grant of up to $17. 8 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. “This investment is about improving our understanding of hydrogen and whether it can provide New Zealand another source of energy at a time when global access to energy resources is increasingly uncertain,” Mr Jones says.
Locals and visitors will benefit from improved access in central Kaikōura, with the Government providing a grant of up to $500,000 from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for new facilities, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Tourism Minister Louise Upston say. Kaikōura District Council will contribute $250,000 towards the $750,000 project, which will improve links between the West End, town centre, visitor facilities and the wider walking and cycling network, including the Whale Trail. The project comprise a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across Lyell Creek and an extension of the West End car park “Kaikōura is a tourism success story, and we need to make sure its infrastructure keeps pace.
A new concession agreement with Milford Sound Tourism Limited has now been signed – bringing certainty for the iconic tourism destination ahead of summer, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. The concession enables Milford Sound Tourism Limited (MSTL) to continue managing the Piopiotahi Milford Sound visitor terminal and Freshwater Basin carparks through to 2050. “I’m pleased to announce the completion of this process ensuring the long-term operation of important visitor infrastructure in time to support a predicted record tourism season for Piopiotahi,” says Mr Potaka.
Two Māori-led early exploration projects in Taranaki and South Waikato could unlock new geothermal opportunities beyond New Zealand’s established geothermal areas, supporting regional growth and making greater use of home-grown energy resources, Regional Development and Resources Minister Shane Jones says. A project exploring low-temperature geothermal resources in Taranaki will receive a $3 million grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF), while a further $2. 95m grant will be used to explore the South Mangakino geothermal resource in Waikato.
Wairarapa farmers and allied contractors will reap the benefits of a $1. 55 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support the establishment of a new grain drying and storage facility in Carterton. The loan will enable farmers to store up to 4000 tonnes of grain in the region instead of trucking it to Manawatu for storage, Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson says.
The Government is investing in the resilience of independent radio broadcasters to help ensure regional communities can access vital emergency information when electricity, internet or telecommunications services are disrupted. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell today announced a $300,000 grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to support the Regional Emergency Broadcasting programme. “Regional radio stations play a vital role in keeping communities informed, particularly when other communication channels fail,” Mr Jones says.
The Government is continuing its support for regional air services, with Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Transport Minister James Meager announcing an $845,000 loan to Hawke’s Bay airline Air Napier. The Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) loan will help Air Napier undertake essential upgrades to its fleet and refinance some existing debt. “Air Napier plays an important role in supporting businesses across Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti, and helping people access essential services,” Mr Jones says.
Hawke’s Bay’s arable sector is set to benefit from a $3 million Regional Infrastructure Fund loan for a new grower-led seed cleaning, processing and storage facility in Central Hawke’s Bay, Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson says. “Currently, much of the seed grown in Hawke's Bay that requires specialist cleaning and processing is sent outside the region, including to as far away as Canterbury, before it can be sold domestically or exported. This adds cost, creates inefficiencies, and reduces returns for local growers” Mr Patterson says.
The Government is investing up to $12 million to connect Picton to the Whale Trail cycling and walking track, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston say. A proposed bridge over SH1 and the main trunk railway, together with the associated trail works, would provide a direct connection between Picton where many walkers and cyclists disembark the Cook Strait ferries, and the 170km walking and cycling trail along the South Island's northeast coast to Kaikoura. "The climb out of Picton on SH1 for cyclists has long been acknowledged as a tricky section.
A loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will help fund a much-needed new 24-bed wing at O’Conor Home for senior citizens in Westport, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello say. “Providing safe, fit-for-purpose facilities for our senior citizens is a marker of a compassionate and caring society. When older people need this type of specialist care, it should be near their family, friends and community,” Mr Jones says.
The dilapidated and closed Tinopai Wharf on Kaipara Harbour will be replaced with the help of a $1 million grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. “The wharf at Tinopai has been shut because of structural and safety issues for nearly two years. Replacing this important community asset will be good news for local fishers, boaties, and recreational users of the harbour,” Mr Jones says.
A Regional Infrastructure Fund grant will be used to modernise Kerikeri’s Turner Centre, helping the Far North town play host to more cultural, community and business events, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The grant of up to $3 million will go towards the first stage of a $6. 3 million upgrade of the centre’s Plaza and Event Centre.
Students will be able to study Agriculture and Horticultural Science from Year 11, creating a clear pathway into Years 12 and 13 and future careers in New Zealand's primary industries, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Year 11 Agriculture and Horticultural Science will be an optional subject alongside compulsory Science, giving students the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and pursue their interests earlier. “It complements the existing Agriculture and Horticultural Science subjects at Years 12 and 13, as well as the new industry-led Food and Fibre subject currently being developed for Years 12 and 13, giving students a wide range of pathways into New Zealand's primary industries.
People who break new rules aimed at protecting rockpools in and around Auckland and Coromandel will face infringement fees from this month, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “Last month I announced new protections for Auckland and Coromandel rockpools and intertidal areas to address overharvesting and help restore these important coastal habitats. ” “From November 26, Fishery Officers will be armed with a new tool – the ability to issue infringement notices, which carry a $250 penalty.