10 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1479 views
Opening Remarks express gratitude to the organizers and attendees of the summit themed "Digital as Core Infrastructure," highlighting the importance of digital infrastructure for science, innovation, and economic growth. The reforms aim to streamline the science, innovation, and technology system, with a focus on maximizing government funding and driving real-world impact. The AI Strategy emphasizes a balanced approach to regulating AI, leveraging existing laws while fostering innovation and maintaining public trust.
10 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1497 views
The Government is investing approximately $300 million to repair and upgrade 33 schools with challenging property conditions, aiming to provide safe and improved learning environments for children. The initial $87 million investment will address urgent needs in seven schools, with construction set to begin within the next 12 months. Efforts include cost-saving measures, such as modular construction and standardized designs, to deliver efficient and quality solutions, with further tranches of funding planned for future projects.
04 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1393 views
The speaker expresses gratitude for being at an event in Queenstown hosted by the Property Council, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders in the property industry. They acknowledge the challenges faced by the construction and property sectors due to inflation and economic cycles but highlight government initiatives to support recovery, including reforms to streamline building processes. The speaker outlines key pillars of the Going for Housing Growth program and upcoming Resource Management Act reforms aimed at facilitating development and addressing infrastructure needs, concluding with a mention of City and Regional Deals as strategic partnerships to drive economic growth and housing development.
04 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1322 views
The Government is supporting 19 ambitious science programs, including the DeepHeat project by the New Zealand Institute for Earth Science Limited, which aims to explore the energy potential of the Central Taupo Volcanic Zone using supercritical geothermal energy. This project, funded with $10 million from the Endeavour Fund, is seen as groundbreaking and essential for New Zealand's future prosperity, as geothermal energy offers a reliable alternative to weather-dependent renewable sources like hydro, solar, and wind. The Government's investment of over $183 million in various projects, from climate technology to healthcare and clean energy, demonstrates the power of science to drive innovation, economic growth, and a more resilient future.
04 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1283 views
Councils have submitted water services delivery plans under the Local Water Done Well initiative to ensure quality and cost-effective water services for ratepayers. The government aims to address water services challenges by enabling councils to collaborate on financial sustainability and infrastructure development. Plans will be reviewed and considered for acceptance, with a focus on financial sustainability to ensure safe and resilient water services for communities.
02 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1578 views
Southland's space sector receives a significant boost through a loan of up to $2.25 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for Space Operations New Zealand Limited. The loan will support the expansion of the business at the Awarua Satellite Ground Station near Invercargill, leveraging Southland's strategic location for satellite operations. The project aims to create a regional space hub, accelerating essential works to meet current demand and future growth plans, ultimately enhancing the development of Southland's space industry.
01 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1443 views
Watercare plans to invest $500 million in upgrading Auckland's aging water infrastructure over the next 18 months to improve water services and create job opportunities. The Government collaborated with Auckland Council to develop the Watercare Charter, aiming to make water services more affordable for Aucklanders, saving households nearly $900 million over four years. The increased investment in infrastructure will be beneficial for Auckland's economy, with a focus on upgrading treatment plants and renewing pipes and assets to ensure improved service quality and affordability.
29 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1313 views
The Government has allocated up to $2 million to Tasman District Council for flood recovery efforts, including waste cleanup and infrastructure repairs. Environment Minister Penny Simmonds highlights the challenges faced by the region, particularly in areas like Riwaka and along the Motueka River. The emergency waste funding aims to support councils in managing waste after emergencies and help communities like Tasman towards recovery.
27 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1537 views
The Regional Infrastructure Fund is providing $24.62 million to boost horticulture expansion in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti through water storage, flood resilience, and Māori land projects, aiming to enhance regional economies, employment, and export growth while improving resilience to economic shocks and extreme weather events. Specific projects include establishing high-value horticulture on Māori land in Tairāwhiti, expanding water storage capacity in Hawke’s Bay, replenishing the Makauri aquifer in Tairāwhiti, and developing water storage infrastructure for pipfruit orchards. These investments aim to strengthen regional resilience and productivity, with a focus on supporting the regions' economic growth and success.
26 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1558 views
The latest quarterly update from the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission reveals that the value of infrastructure initiatives in the National Infrastructure Pipeline has increased to $237.1 billion, with a $30.2 billion growth from the previous quarter, as stated by Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop. The Pipeline, managed by the Commission, encompasses over 9,200 projects, aiding in planning for future infrastructure projects across various sectors and contributing to about 4% of the country's GDP. Efforts are being made to enhance transparency and data quality within the Pipeline, with ongoing collaboration from 121 organizations, and the final National Infrastructure Plan is expected to be released in December.
25 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1135 views
Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Sydney and Canberra for engagements with the infrastructure industry and Australian political leaders, emphasizing New Zealand's openness for business and the importance of attracting investment for economic growth and job creation. In Sydney, he will address the IPWEA International Public Works Conference about New Zealand's infrastructure priorities and the National Infrastructure Plan. Additionally, he will discuss housing reforms with New South Wales officials and meet with federal counterparts in Canberra, including key ministers such as Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King and Housing Minister Clare O'Neil.
22 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1540 views
The passing of the Public Works Act Amendment Bill will expedite critical infrastructure projects, aiming to address New Zealand's infrastructure deficit by streamlining land acquisition processes. The new accelerated process offers incentives and recognition payments to landowners, while also introducing a faster objections resolution mechanism. The Government plans to further modernize the Public Works Act to improve landowner engagement, disaster recovery support, and overall efficiency in delivering public infrastructure projects.
21 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1511 views
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones are pleased that the first Fast-track project, the Port of Auckland wharf expansion, has received approval under the Fast-track Approvals Act. The project includes a new wharf, berth extension, cruise terminal, and other upgrades, with construction set to start next month to create jobs and boost the economy. The Act streamlines the approval process for projects, with expert panels assessing applications and attaching necessary conditions, aiming to drive economic growth and efficiency in critical sectors like Auckland's port infrastructure.
14 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1614 views
The Government's second RMA Amendment Bill has passed into law, aiming to drive economic growth and job creation by removing roadblocks and cutting red tape in various sectors, such as infrastructure, housing, farming, and emergency management. The Bill introduces changes to streamline consent processes for renewable energy, boost housing supply, and reduce red tape for the primary sector. It is part of a broader three-phase RMA reform program, with the full replacement for the RMA expected to be in effect by 2027.
14 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1412 views
The Government is investing in a new Biodiversity Research Centre in Upper Hutt to replace the earthquake-prone and inadequate Tory Street facility, preserving Te Papa’s natural history collection of over 860,000 specimens. The project, costing $155.4 million, is part of a $6 billion infrastructure initiative and will create construction jobs for over 2,000 people, with completion expected by March 2028. The collection transfer and decommissioning of the current facility are scheduled to be completed by April 2029.