23 Oct 2026
1 hour ago
21 views
A major upgrade of State Highway 76 Brougham Street in Christchurch is set to move into its second stage of key roading improvements, as a new pedestrian and cycle bridge prepares to open, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. “Downer has been appointed to carry out work on Stage Two of the SH76 Brougham Street Upgrade,” Mr Bishop says. “SH76 Brougham Street is one of Christchurch’s busiest streets and serves as the main freight route to the South Island’s largest port at Lyttelton.
16 Oct 2026
1 week ago
119 views
Attorney-General Chris Bishop announced the appointment of 12 new King’s Counsel, recognizing their exceptional skill and diverse expertise across areas such as criminal, commercial, environmental, Māori legal issues, and international law. These appointments, selected from over 100 applications, highlight the strength and specialist knowledge within New Zealand’s legal profession. The new King’s Counsel come from varied backgrounds and chambers, reflecting extensive experience in litigation, advocacy, and advisory roles both domestically and internationally.
15 Oct 2026
1 week ago
149 views
Auckland’s Hunua Quarry expansion has received Fast-track approval, allowing Winstone Aggregates to increase production capacity to 5.4 million tonnes annually by deepening the Symonds Hill Pit and addressing regional aggregate shortages. This approval, the 37th through the Fast-track process, aims to reduce reliance on imported aggregate, lower construction costs, and mitigate environmental and traffic impacts through specific conditions. The expansion, alongside similar projects at Drury and Kings quarries, supports Auckland’s housing and infrastructure needs while promoting economic and environmental benefits.
15 Oct 2026
1 week ago
160 views
The crash-prone Haynes Bridge on State Highway 54 in Manawatū will be replaced with $6.5 million funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to improve safety and reliability. The new bridge aims to support local communities, businesses, and economic activity by providing a dependable transport connection and avoiding lengthy diversions. Design and consenting will start within six months, with construction expected to begin in 2027.
14 Oct 2026
1 week ago
156 views
The Deep Creek Bridge on South Canterbury’s State Highway 82 will be replaced at a cost of $7.5 million, funded by the Regional Infrastructure Fund, due to significant deterioration making replacement more cost-effective than repairs. This bridge supports about 1850 vehicles daily, playing a vital role in local transport, agriculture, and freight, with design and construction planned to begin by 2027. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Transport Minister Chris Bishop emphasize that reliable transport infrastructure is crucial for regional productivity, connectivity, and economic growth.
09 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
230 views
Attorney-General Hon Chris Bishop has appointed Leighvi Maynard of Gisborne and Nicola Graham of Napier as District Court Judges. Mr Maynard has extensive experience in criminal law, prosecution, and defense, having worked in various legal roles since 2006 and co-founded Rāwhiti Legal in 2024, while Ms Graham has a strong background as a crown prosecutor, sole practitioner, and Youth Advocate. Judge Maynard will serve at Napier District Court, sworn in on 21 November 2026, and Judge Graham will serve at Hamilton District Court, sworn in on 14 December 2026.
09 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
269 views
An investigation has been initiated to assess whether Christchurch planning rules hinder new housing, economic growth, and redevelopment of the former Apollo Projects Stadium site. This follows a request from Christchurch City Council Mayor Phil Mauger to amend the District Plan for the 4.93-hectare site now that the new stadium, Te Kaha, is operational. The investigation, using powers under the Resource Management Act, aims to ensure planning rules support city growth by removing provisions that negatively impact development and employment.
08 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
258 views
The Government has completed the largest overhaul of national direction under the Resource Management Act, introducing new National Environmental Standards for Electricity Network Activities (NES-ENA) and Telecommunication Facilities (NES-TF) to streamline and standardize rules, making it faster and more affordable to build and upgrade infrastructure. These reforms replace outdated, inconsistent planning requirements with clearer, nationally consistent rules that facilitate routine maintenance, upgrades, and the rollout of modern technologies like 5G, while reducing unnecessary consenting costs and delays. The changes, informed by extensive consultation, serve as a bridge to the new planning system and aim to support housing, infrastructure, energy, and primary sectors with improved environmental and development outcomes.
07 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
214 views
The Waikare Gorge realignment project on State Highway 2 between Wairoa and Napier aims to create a safer, more resilient highway supporting economic growth and community connectivity. The nearly 4km realignment includes a 260-metre bridge spanning 65 meters above the river, with construction starting next month and expected to take 3-4 years, minimizing traffic disruption. Initially estimated at $350-425 million, the project cost has reduced to $275-325 million due to competitive tendering and design innovations, forming part of a nearly $1 billion regional road infrastructure investment.
06 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
328 views
The Government has signed a 10-year City and Regional Deal with Otago Central Lakes councils to support housing, infrastructure, and economic growth, guided by a 30-year vision to diversify the region’s economy beyond tourism. The Deal includes commitments to improve housing affordability, transport infrastructure, energy capacity, health services, and rural economic development through coordinated central and local government efforts. An Oversight Board will monitor progress, with an Implementation Plan to be completed within six months, ensuring the region’s growth benefits residents and attracts investment.
06 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
244 views
The Government is investing in 12 new permanent classrooms at Wakatipu High School to address Queenstown’s rapidly growing secondary education demand, with construction starting in early 2027 and completion by mid-2028. The expansion includes specialist and general teaching spaces and supports future growth alongside plans for a second secondary school, reflecting a broader commitment to upgrading school infrastructure across New Zealand. Additionally, funding is allocated for a pilot project converting open plan classrooms into enclosed learning spaces at Wakatipu and five other schools to enhance learning environments.
06 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
347 views
The Queenstown Cable Car project by Southern Infrastructure Limited has secured an initial $265 million private lending agreement with Private Capital Group, funded partly through the Government’s Active Investor Plus visa program. This cable car aims to connect key areas in Queenstown, providing a rapid public transport solution to alleviate road congestion amid the region’s rapid growth. The project exemplifies the government’s strategy to attract international investment for infrastructure development, leveraging private capital and innovative funding to address New Zealand’s infrastructure challenges.
06 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
234 views
The New Zealand government will allocate $5 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to replace the nearly century-old Piraunui Stream Bridge on State Highway 26, a vital transport route in Waikato. This proactive investment aims to ensure resilient infrastructure, support economic growth, and maintain safe, reliable connections for communities and freight operators. Design and consenting work will start within six months, with construction planned for 2027, pending approvals.
02 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
359 views
Targeted amendments to New Plymouth’s District Plan will simplify building and development processes by removing unnecessary consenting requirements and planning barriers, thereby supporting economic growth and reducing costs. Following an investigation under the Resource Management Act 1991, which included public consultation and feedback, the government identified provisions negatively impacting development and decided to proceed with practical changes to various planning controls. These changes aim to improve planning system efficiency, maintain environmental safeguards, and foster investment and employment, with regulations currently being drafted for Cabinet approval.
01 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
338 views
The New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA) has officially begun operations to improve transparency, service quality, and commercial discipline in managing school property, separating these responsibilities from the Ministry of Education's policy and network decisions. The Government has invested $2.7 billion across three budgets to fund nearly 1,600 new classrooms, specialist schools, and maintenance upgrades, while adopting cost-saving measures like offsite construction to reduce classroom costs significantly. NZSPA, governed by a skilled board, aims to provide a clear, value-for-money investment pipeline and long-term infrastructure planning for school properties nationwide.