21 Oct 2026
4 hours ago
17 views
A project to restore Northland’s largest lake, Lake Ōmāpere, will receive a $3 million grant from the Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson say. “Restoring Lake Ōmāpere will contribute to a more resilient water system and economic development in the region,” Mr Jones says. The funding will support enabling work for the project including regulatory approvals, road access, the construction of a weir to control water levels, and design work for future water storage infrastructure.
15 Oct 2026
6 days ago
116 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
6 days ago
145 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
169 views
The Government has designated two Aquaculture Settlement Areas in Marlborough to enable iwi participation in the region’s expanding open ocean aquaculture industry while negotiations under the Māori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act continue. These areas, totaling nearly 6,000 hectares, will support future marine farming projects subject to regulatory approval without affecting current fishing activities. The initiative aims to boost the local economy through export income, job creation, and sustainable seafood production, aligning with the broader goal of reaching $3 billion in annual aquaculture revenue by 2035.
14 Oct 2026
1 week ago
150 views
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.
14 Oct 2026
1 week ago
147 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.
06 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
228 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.
05 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
239 views
Julian Wilcox has been appointed Chair of the Māori Language Commission, bringing extensive knowledge of te reo Māori and strong leadership experience. The Commission plays a crucial role in promoting the Māori language, and Wilcox’s expertise positions him well to lead its ongoing efforts during his three-year term. Outgoing Chair Professor Rawinia Higgins was also acknowledged for her significant contributions to the revitalization and visibility of te reo Māori.
05 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
205 views
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.
05 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
246 views
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.
01 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
227 views
Enzed Energy has submitted a second application for a petroleum exploration permit targeting the Toutouwai prospect in the offshore Taranaki Basin, signaling growing confidence in New Zealand's energy sector following the repeal of the offshore exploration ban. The government has opened a competitive process for a 2400 sq km permit area, with applications due by January 18, 2027, and will assess candidates based on technical, financial, and compliance criteria. Natural gas remains vital for New Zealand's energy security and economic resilience, and renewed exploration efforts aim to unlock new resources and support growth.
10 Sep 2026
1 month ago
401 views
The Government is allocating $8 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support the ongoing operation, preservation, and infrastructure of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a site of immense national and cultural significance. This funding aims to maintain public access, enhance educational and commemorative programs, and ensure the site remains vibrant for future generations, supporting regional tourism and economic activity. Previous investments have also upgraded infrastructure and facilities, with continued efforts focused on preserving this taonga ahead of the 2040 bicentenary of Waitangi Day.
09 Sep 2026
1 month ago
407 views
The New Zealand Government will end the requirement for developers to pay royalties on "cushion gas," which is operational gas needed to maintain pressure in underground gas storage but unlikely to be extracted or sold. This change aims to remove regulatory barriers, encouraging investment in underground gas storage to improve the flexibility, resilience, and long-term energy security of the country’s energy system. An independent expert will determine the portion of gas qualifying as cushion gas, while future regulatory reviews will assess the effectiveness of this measure in supporting energy security.
08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
391 views
The Taranaki Alliance, supported by a $3 million Regional Infrastructure Fund grant, aims to help local firms secure over $100 million in contracts within three years, aiding economic diversification away from the declining oil and gas sector. The initiative, led by Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki and local partners, will coordinate collaboration among engineering, manufacturing, and technical firms to pursue large-scale national and international projects. With strong regional support and over 85 firms interested, the Alliance seeks to build a commercially sustainable model that enhances bid coordination, compliance, and regional economic representation.
07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
399 views
The Stella Passage Development at the Port of Tauranga has received fast-track approval, enabling significant expansion including wharf extensions, new container cranes, and dredging to accommodate larger vessels and nearly double handling capacity. This approval, granted in about five months through the Fast-track process, addresses longstanding constraints caused by limited capacity and aging infrastructure, enhancing New Zealand’s largest port’s efficiency and supporting regional economic growth. The project is the 34th approved under Fast-track, a system designed to expedite infrastructure developments that deliver economic value and keep New Zealand competitive globally.