Articles tagged with Infrastructure

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RIF grants fund completion of marae projects

Grants from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will support two marae to strengthen their ability to serve as community hubs and offer refuge in times of emergency, Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say. A $4 million grant will go to Mataura Marae in the Southland town of Mataura. A $150,000 grant will also be provided from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to Takitimu Marae in Wairoa.

Government backs oyster industry resilience

A $2. 8 million investment from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will help support the long-term resilience of the Northland oyster sector while backing economic opportunities for local communities, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Under-Secretary for Oceans and Fisheries Jenny Marcroft say. "Mahurangi oyster farms produce around a quarter of New Zealand's oysters but recurring closures due to water quality issues have disrupted harvests and put significant costs and stress on growers and the community," Mr Jones says.

West Coast Infrastructure Upgrades Boost Ports and Hokitika Airport Growth

Investment from the Regional Infrastructure Fund is driving significant upgrades to key West Coast transport infrastructure, including shipping ports and Hokitika Airport, to support economic growth and resilience. Projects underway include the Greymouth Port sounding vessel, port improvements at Greymouth, Westport, and Jackson Bay, and a $16.4 million airport upgrade aimed at enhancing safety and reducing flight disruptions. These investments are strengthening critical transport connections and supporting industries and communities across the region.

Hunua Quarry Expansion Approved to Boost Auckland’s Aggregate Supply

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.

$6.5M Funded Replacement of Crash-Prone Haynes Bridge on SH54 in Manawatū

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.

New Zealand Extends Strategic Diesel Reserve Agreement to 2027 for Fuel Security

The New Zealand Government has extended its agreement with Z Energy to maintain a 550,000-barrel strategic diesel reserve at Marsden Point until August 2027, ensuring national fuel resilience amid global uncertainty. This reserve, critical for key industries and stored in refurbished tanks funded by $21.6 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, provides about nine days of typical national diesel consumption. The Government continues to monitor global developments, especially the Middle East conflict, and will respond as needed while limiting its financial exposure through the agreement.

$7.5M Deep Creek Bridge Replacement on SH82 Boosts South Canterbury Transport

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.

Queenstown Cable Car Project Secures $265M Funding via Active Investor Plus Visa

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.

Waikato’s SH26 Bridge to Get $5M Upgrade for Safer, Resilient Transport

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.

Northland Shipyard Fast-Track Approved, Boosting NZ Economy and Jobs

The Environmental Protection Authority has accepted the Fast-track application for the Northland Shipyard and Dry Dock project, which will now be reviewed by an independent expert panel. The government has allocated $100 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support this nationally significant facility, aiming to reduce reliance on overseas dry docks and boost New Zealand's economy. The project is expected to create hundreds of permanent jobs, enhance vessel maintenance efficiency, and deliver substantial economic benefits to Northland and the country.

Government Grants $5.7M to Support Regional Airlines Amid Rising Costs

The Regional Infrastructure Fund will allocate $5.7 million in working capital grants to regional airlines to help them manage rising operating costs, particularly due to increased fuel prices, and maintain essential regional air services. These temporary, targeted grants, ranging from $300,000 to $1.2 million, are based on airlines’ passenger volumes and flight movements, with the expectation that service levels will be preserved. This funding complements nearly $26 million already provided in loans for aircraft acquisition, maintenance, and debt refinancing, demonstrating the Government's commitment to sustaining regional connectivity and supporting remote communities.

Land Secured for Future Hospital in Drury to Boost South Auckland Healthcare

Land has been secured on Karaka Road in Drury for a future hospital facility to address South Auckland’s rapidly growing healthcare needs, with the 13-hectare site offering excellent transport links and proximity to Fisher & Paykel Healthcare’s R&D precinct. The $45.3 million purchase aims to provide space for modern, accessible health infrastructure that supports quality services and fosters innovation in the region. The Government, through NIFCO and Health New Zealand, will plan and potentially develop a major hospital, ensuring long-term investment and flexibility to meet future healthcare demands.

Whangārei Hospital Redevelopment Begins with New Acute Services Building and Ward Tower

Work has begun on the Whangārei Hospital redevelopment, featuring a new acute services building and a 158-bed ward tower to expand capacity and modernize healthcare facilities. The project aims to improve emergency care, increase bed availability, and support government health targets, while also laying the foundation for future expansion. Additionally, the redevelopment is a major economic boost for Northland, expected to contribute $233 million to the regional GDP and create over 2,700 jobs.

Whangārei Hospital Opens $35M Child Health Centre and New Car Park Extension

Whangārei Hospital officially opened a $35 million Child Health Centre, providing modern outpatient and community services tailored for children and young people in Northland. Alongside this, an $18.5 million Car Park 14 extension was completed, adding 573 parking spaces to support the growing hospital campus. These projects are key milestones in the wider hospital redevelopment, enabling the construction of a new acute services building while maintaining effective hospital operations.

Milestone Reached for Hawke's Bay, Palmerston North & Tauranga Hospital Redevelopments

Planning for the redevelopment of Hawke's Bay, Palmerston North, and Tauranga hospitals has advanced with early concept designs showcasing future acute services buildings that centralize critical departments for improved patient care. These projects, part of Health New Zealand's Regional Hospital Redevelopment Programme, follow a consistent, phased approach supported by recently announced Budget 2026 funding for design and site preparation. The developments aim to enhance capacity, connectivity, and facilities, laying a foundation for hospitals that will serve their communities effectively for decades.