15 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1279 views
The Government has approved a two-year ban starting March 12, 2026, on harvesting various invertebrates and seaweed from rockpools and coastlines north of Auckland to protect fragile marine ecosystems from over-collection. This temporary closure, supported by the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust’s traditional rāhui, excludes species with existing restrictions and aquaculture activities, while allowing continued kina harvesting to manage their populations. Officials are also developing educational materials and broader proposals for sustainable intertidal fisheries management, with public consultations planned for Auckland and Coromandel.
10 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1306 views
New Zealand’s mineral exploration and mining sector is experiencing strong growth, with record permit applications and approvals in 2025, particularly for gold projects concentrated in the South Island’s West Coast. The diverse mix of prospecting, exploration, and mining permits, along with the conversion of small-scale permits to a more suitable regulatory class, indicates healthy progression and increased confidence in the sector. This momentum, driven by multiple mid-sized projects and active permit management, supports regional economic growth, job creation, and New Zealand’s broader resource development strategy.
07 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1317 views
One year after New Zealand's Fast-track approvals system launched, it has accelerated infrastructure project approvals from years to months, reducing costs and enabling timely economic growth and job creation. The system streamlines multiple approval processes into one efficient pathway while maintaining environmental safeguards, with nine projects approved and dozens more progressing, expected to deliver thousands of homes, jobs, and significant economic contributions. The Coalition Government highlights Fast-track's success in overcoming criticism, positioning New Zealand as a global leader in efficient, rigorous infrastructure development.
06 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1390 views
The Government is investing $4 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support essential infrastructure for the Bisset Road social housing project in Kaikohe, which will provide up to 100 affordable rental homes with rents capped at 80 percent of market rates for 25 years. The project, led by Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi Limited, aims to create local jobs, apprenticeships, and strengthen regional supply chains by using local timber and contractors. Additional funding includes a $29.7 million grant from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and a $13.6 million loan from Community Finance, with infrastructure work underway and the entire development expected to finish by 2027.
05 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1381 views
Construction has begun on a sustainable green hydrogen facility in South Taranaki, supported by a $19.9 million government investment and additional co-funding, with a total project cost of up to $112.3 million. The facility will supply renewable electricity to Ballance Agri-Nutrients' Kapuni site and produce green hydrogen for emissions-free transport, creating around 50 construction jobs and seven permanent roles. This project, a partnership between multiple organizations, aims to boost the regional economy by integrating wind energy, renewable electricity, and zero-carbon hydrogen fuel production at scale.
04 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1385 views
The New Zealand Government is investing up to $35 million through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support OpenStar Technologies in developing a specialised fusion energy research facility. OpenStar is pursuing a unique fusion design with potential advantages in stability, cost, and scalability, aiming to position New Zealand as a leader in this emerging, carbon-free energy technology. This investment aims to boost innovation, attract international funding, create high-value jobs, and generate potential benefits for sectors like aerospace and medical technology.
04 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1160 views
Road access to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in New Zealand has been improved with a $1.57 million upgrade to Haruru Falls Road, sealing the remaining 3.7 km to ensure safer and more resilient access for visitors. The project, completed just before Waitangi Day, included drainage, paving, earthworks, and guardrails, with contributions from the Regional Infrastructure Fund and Far North District Council. Additionally, a larger $10.2 million infrastructure upgrade is underway at the Treaty Grounds to protect historic buildings and enhance facilities, expected to finish by the end of 2026.
03 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1403 views
The Government is investing $6.25 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to develop two horticulture projects on underutilised Māori land in Northland and Waikato, aiming to boost local supply chains and economic benefits. The Ngā Pūriri Pūmau kiwifruit project in Te Tai Tokerau and the Ngāti Hauā horticulture project in Waikato will create jobs, build essential infrastructure, and support sustainable commercial production of crops like asparagus, strawberries, and blueberries. These initiatives exemplify successful collaboration between iwi leadership and government, promoting productive land use and long-term regional growth for Māori communities.
30 Jan 2026
8 months ago
1336 views
A restoration project on Northland’s Kōwhairoa Peninsula Historic Reserve aims to reestablish 110 hectares of native forest through planting 132,000 native trees and pest control, supported by $1.54 million in government funding. Led by Te Komanga Marae Trust and guided by ecologist Dr. Adam Forbes, the initiative revives a culturally and ecologically significant site cleared by early settlers, using locally-sourced seeds. The project, launched in 2019 and funded under the Provincial Growth Fund’s One Billion Trees programme, is progressing well and expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
29 Jan 2026
8 months ago
1271 views
Nelson Marina has received a $12.89 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to expand its facilities, including installing a 110-tonne vessel hoist and increasing hardstand capacity from 14 to 54 bays. The project, co-funded by Nelson Marina Management Ltd with a matching $12.89 million, aims to create up to 110 construction jobs and 180 ongoing roles, boosting the region's $350 million blue economy. Construction is set to begin in May and is expected to be completed by mid-2028, supporting the government's goal of regional economic growth through improved infrastructure.
29 Jan 2026
8 months ago
1262 views
Nelson’s marina expansion has received a $12.89 million loan to upgrade infrastructure, including a 110-tonne vessel hoist and expanded maintenance capacity, aiming to boost the regional economy and create up to 180 ongoing jobs. The project, co-funded by Nelson Marina Management Ltd and owned by Nelson City Council, will also feature a new marine service centre with office, retail, and workshop spaces. Construction is set to begin in May and finish by mid-2028, supporting Nelson’s significant blue economy, which contributes over $350 million annually and employs more than 3,700 people.
28 Jan 2026
8 months ago
1337 views
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is considering new restrictions and public education measures to address concerns about marine life depletion in rockpools around Whangaparāoa Peninsula and other areas. Fishery Officers are actively patrolling beaches to enforce current rules, with recent inspections revealing significant non-compliance, prompting a commitment to hold offenders accountable. Alongside potential rule changes, community engagement and education are emphasized to support the protection and sustainability of marine ecosystems for future generations.
26 Jan 2026
8 months ago
1473 views
Wairoa Airport will receive a $4.2 million upgrade, including runway extension and improved infrastructure, to enhance its operational capacity and support the region’s growing needs. The airport plays a crucial role in commercial flights, emergency health transport, and logistics during extreme weather, as demonstrated during Cyclone Gabrielle. Funded by the Regional Infrastructure Fund and North Island Weather Event fund, construction will begin in late 2026, with local employment prioritized.
23 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1457 views
The Government is investing over $10 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to upgrade the National Ringatū Marae Complex in Bay of Plenty, enhancing infrastructure resilience and creating 71 jobs, particularly for Māori youth. The new complex will serve as a cultural, educational, and civil defence hub, preserving the heritage of the Ringatū faith founded by Te Kooti and supporting the broader Māori community. This initiative follows similar investments in other significant marae and aims to strengthen rural marae as vital community assets.
18 Jan 2026
9 months ago
2179 views
The Government, led by Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft, is urgently seeking advice on addressing the unsustainable removal of marine life from rockpools on Whangaparāoa Peninsula and surrounding areas. Following a request from the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust for a temporary fisheries closure, officials are considering measures such as species-specific collection prohibitions and educational campaigns to protect these ecosystems. Collaboration with local communities and stakeholders aims to find balanced solutions that support ecosystem recovery while avoiding negative impacts on legitimate activities like oyster farming.