Articles tagged with Imi

Showing 15 of 108 articles

Fast-Track Approval Boosts Hananui Aquaculture Project and NZ Economy

10 Aug 2026 | 1 month ago | 289 views

The Hananui Aquaculture Project off Stewart Island, the first aquaculture venture approved through New Zealand's Fast-track process, is expected to produce 14,400 tonnes of salmon annually, generating over $310 million in sales and creating up to 480 jobs. This approval aligns with government efforts to support Māori commercial aquaculture and aims to boost the sector towards a $3 billion annual revenue target by 2035 through large-scale open-ocean farming. The Fast-track process, which has approved 31 projects so far, accelerates development timelines, supporting regional growth, job creation, and New Zealand’s leadership in sustainable seafood production.

Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Ngāi Tahu Seafood Resources Limited Hananui Aquaculture Project Māori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act New Zealand salmon farms Aquaculture Development Plan Southland

Delmore Auckland Housing Project Gets Fast-Track Approval Boosting Local Economy

10 Aug 2026 | 1 month ago | 285 views

The Delmore residential development in Auckland, covering over 61 hectares and including 1,200 dwellings, commercial areas, parks, and ecological restoration, has received Fast-track approval, marking it the 30th such project approved. The development will contribute $1.22 billion to the local economy over 25 years and features a privately managed water and wastewater system designed to meet current and future needs, with conditions ensuring environmental and infrastructural compliance. Overall, 30 projects have been approved through the Fast-track process, with 59 currently progressing and 65 referred, reflecting the government's ongoing commitment to accelerating infrastructure and housing developments.

Tags: Chris Bishop Vineway Limited Delmore Auckland Ōrewa State Highway 1 independent expert panel wastewater treatment infrastructure

Canterbury's Haldon Solar Farm First in NZ to Get Fast-Track Approval

09 Aug 2026 | 1 month ago | 316 views

The Haldon Solar Farm in Canterbury is New Zealand’s first solar project to receive fast-track approval, marking the 29th overall and 7th renewable energy project approved under this expedited process. Expected to generate 370 GWh annually, it will power approximately 45,000 homes and contribute significantly to the country’s renewable capacity, supporting regional economic growth and energy security. The fast-track system aims to accelerate investment in sustainable energy, with 29 projects approved, 18 expert panels appointed, and 60 projects currently progressing, reflecting the government’s commitment to abundant, affordable, and reliable power.

Tags: Haldon Solar Farm Mr Bishop Mr Jones Mr Brown Waitaha Hydro Southland Wind Farm Mahinerangi Wind Farm Lodestone Energy Limited Canterbury Twizel

Permanent Fishing Ban and New Limits to Protect Endangered Hoiho from Bycatch

27 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 389 views

Long-term protections to reduce fishing risks to the endangered northern hoiho population will become permanent from 16 September 2026, including a ban on set-net fishing around the Otago Peninsula. A new Fishing Related Mortality Limit (FRML) framework, setting an annual bycatch limit of four hoiho, will enable swift action if limits are exceeded, aiming to halve hoiho deaths from fisheries bycatch. While fisheries bycatch is not the primary threat, with disease, predation, and starvation being greater risks, these measures will contribute to stabilizing the population.

Tags: hoiho Shane Jones Otago Peninsula Fishing Related Mortality Limit FRML fisheries bycatch endangered species

Deborah Hart Appointed Chair of New Zealand Sport Integrity Commission Board

27 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 347 views

Sport and Recreation Minister Mark Mitchell announced Deborah Hart as Chair of the Sport Integrity Commission Board, highlighting her extensive governance, legal, and accountability expertise to lead the Commission's next phase. Traci Houpapa MNZM was appointed Deputy Chair after serving as interim Chair, and Tim Castle was reappointed to the Board for another two years, ensuring strong leadership and experience. Deborah Hart’s background includes leading major independent reviews, expertise in dispute resolution, and roles in human rights and regulatory systems, positioning her well to enhance New Zealand’s sport integrity system.

Tags: Mark Mitchell Deborah Hart Traci Houpapa Tim Castle Sport Integrity Commission New Zealand Sport and Recreation Minister Utilities Disputes Limited Holocaust Centre of New Zealand Human Rights Review Tribunal

Government Grants $60M to Secure New Zealand’s Domestic Cement Manufacturing Through 2040

19 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 423 views

The New Zealand Government has agreed to provide up to $60 million to Golden Bay Cement (GBC) to maintain domestic cement manufacturing at its Whangarei plant and support at least $150 million in investments through 2040, ensuring economic resilience against global supply disruptions. This decision follows concerns that rising costs and emissions expenses threatened the closure of the country's only fully integrated cement facility, which is vital for essential infrastructure construction. The support is conditional, includes strict oversight, and aims to preserve strategic domestic capability without undermining the Emissions Trading Scheme or setting a broad precedent for taxpayer funding.

Tags: Golden Bay Cement GBC New Zealand Government Whangarei plant Fletcher Building Limited Emissions Trading Scheme domestic cement production cement manufacturing infrastructure development supply chain resilience

John Rae Reappointed Chair of Crown Regional Holdings Board for Three Years

16 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 409 views

John Rae has been reappointed Chair of the Crown Regional Holdings Limited Board for three more years due to his extensive legal, financial, and governance expertise. Crown Regional Holdings manages significant government investments aimed at supporting regional economic development across New Zealand, with a diverse portfolio spanning eight regional funds, 13 regions, and 19 industry sectors. As of the 2025 financial year, CRHL oversees 201 active contracts totaling $1,085 million in loans, equity, and capital assets, reflecting the government’s commitment to regional growth.

Tags: John Rae Shane Jones Crown Regional Holdings Limited CRHL regional development New Zealand regional investment governance financial experience

Government Invests $15.5M in Bay of Plenty Marina and Geothermal Projects

13 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 445 views

The Government is investing $12.5 million through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to develop Ōpōtiki Marina, supporting aquaculture growth and creating up to 87 construction jobs. Additionally, a $3 million grant will fund the Gas to Geoheat – Tauranga Geothermal System Project, exploring geothermal energy potential to support future renewable energy initiatives and create 15-20 jobs. These investments aim to unlock the Bay of Plenty’s natural resource potential, boost regional economic growth, job creation, and energy security.

Tags: Shane Jones Bay of Plenty Ōpōtiki Marina Regional Infrastructure Fund aquaculture GeoExchange NZ Limited Tauranga Geothermal System geothermal energy Te Kaha Mount Maunganui

Fast-Track Approval Granted for Māhinerangi Wind Farm Expansion in Otago

03 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 567 views

The Māhinerangi Wind Farm project in Otago has received Fast-track approval to expand with 44 additional turbines, a new transmission line, substation, and a 60MW battery system, increasing its capacity to 190MW and generating enough electricity for about 68,000 homes. This approval, part of New Zealand’s broader Fast-track process to accelerate infrastructure development, supports regional economic growth and the country’s transition to secure, sustainable energy. The government emphasizes that fast-tracking renewable projects like this is crucial for enhancing energy security, affordability, and reliability nationwide.

Tags: Māhinerangi Wind Farm Otago Tararua Wind Power Limited Mr Bishop Mr Jones Mr Brown New Zealand Puke Kapo Hau renewable energy

Government Funds $4.5M Mussel Spat Nursery to Boost NZ Greenshell Industry

01 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 561 views

The New Zealand government is funding a $4.5 million loan to establish a mussel spat nursery in Houhora Bay, Northland, aiming to stabilize and increase spat supply for the Greenshell mussel industry. The Te Hiku Aquaculture Mussel Spat Project, led by four iwi groups and co-funded with $1.3 million, will develop up to 150 mussel lines to improve spat survival and support nationwide mussel farming. This initiative aligns with the government’s Aquaculture Development Plan to grow the industry to $3 billion annually by 2035 and is progressing through the Fast-track consent process before funding is released.

Tags: Mark Patterson Te Aupōuri Te Rarawa Ngāi Takoto Ngāti Kahu Akau Associate Regional Development Minister Te Aupōuri Fisheries Management Limited Muriwhenua Government

New Appointments Strengthen New Zealand Infrastructure Commission Leadership

29 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 548 views

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop announced the reappointment of Sue Tindal as Deputy Chair and the appointment of Natasha Possenniskie as a new director to the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission board. Tindal’s extensive financial and governance experience, along with Possenniskie’s 25 years in infrastructure planning and delivery, will enhance the Commission’s capacity to provide strategic oversight and robust project assurance. These appointments demonstrate the Government’s commitment to strengthening leadership and expertise to fulfill the Commission’s expanded mandate and improve infrastructure outcomes in New Zealand.

Tags: Chris Bishop Sue Tindal Natasha Possenniskie New Zealand Infrastructure Commission KiwiRail Auckland Council PwC Commonwealth Bank of Australia Urban Outcomes Limited Massey University

Public Consultation Open on NZ Fishery Catch Limits and Sustainability Measures 2026

24 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 530 views

Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced a public consultation on proposed changes to catch limits and sustainability measures for 22 fish stocks, emphasizing the use of scientific data and stakeholder input to ensure sustainable fishing practices. Significant catch reductions are proposed for tarakihi fisheries due to declining stock influenced by warming waters, while catch increases are suggested for snapper and trevally in certain areas where populations are thriving. The review also includes adjustments to deemed value rates for 11 fish stocks, with decisions to be finalized before the 2026 fishing year, and submissions open until July 24, 2026.

Tags: Shane Jones tarakihi snapper trevally fisheries sustainability catch limits New Zealand deemed value rates MPI

Public Consultation Opens on NZ Fishery Catch Limits and Sustainability Measures 2026

24 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 499 views

Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is seeking public feedback on proposed catch limit and sustainability changes for 22 fish stocks, including significant reductions for New Zealand’s tarakihi fisheries due to declining stock levels affected by warming waters. While tarakihi stocks continue to decline despite previous catch reductions, catch limits for snapper and trevally are proposed to increase in certain areas reflecting their growing abundance. The review also considers adjustments to deemed value rates for 11 fish stocks, with submissions open until July 24, 2026, and final decisions expected before the 2026 fishing year begins.

Tags: Shane Jones tarakihi snapper trevally fisheries sustainability catch limits New Zealand deemed value rates MPI

Waste Minimisation Fund Boosts Concrete Recycling in Bay of Plenty and Canterbury

16 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 541 views

Envirocon has received nearly $700,000 from New Zealand's Waste Minimisation Fund to process an additional 38,000 tonnes of construction and demolition concrete waste annually in Bay of Plenty and Canterbury. This funding supports increased recycling efforts, reducing landfill volumes, which are significantly contributed to by construction waste making up about 70% of landfill material. The project aligns with the Fund’s goal to enhance reuse, recovery, and recycling, building on Envirocon’s previous infrastructure developments supported by the Fund since 2015.

Tags: Waste Minimisation Fund Nicola Grigg Envirocon concrete recycling construction waste demolition waste Tauranga Christchurch Waste Minimisation Act 2008 New Zealand

Fast-Track Approval Granted for The Point Mission Bay Retirement Village in Auckland

12 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 741 views

The Point Mission Bay retirement village in Auckland has received Fast-track approval to develop five interconnected buildings with 256 independent living units and 94 care suites, aiming to expand housing and care options for the growing over-65 population. This project, supported by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa Limited and Generus Living Group, is expected to create around 210 full-time jobs and contribute $3.8 million annually to the economy. It is the 24th project approved under New Zealand’s Fast-track process, which expedites infrastructure and housing developments to meet increasing demand and support economic growth.

Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa Limited Generus Living Group Tegan Harris The Point Mission Bay Auckland Retirement village Infrastructure Minister