17 Aug 2026
2 months ago
586 views
Forestry Minister Todd McClay has appointed Doug Leeder as a Facilitator to advise the Government on addressing forestry challenges in Tairāwhiti, focusing on consenting complexities and land use changes. The government aims to reset the relationship between Gisborne District Council and stakeholders to support sustainable forestry management, jobs, and local businesses while ensuring compliance measures are workable and proportionate. Building on the progress of the Tairāwhiti Forestry Action Group, the Facilitator will help accelerate clean-up efforts, improve collaboration, and guide decisions to benefit forestry, the environment, and the community.
27 Jul 2026
2 months ago
637 views
The opening of the SH29/Takitimu Drive Toll Road flyover bridge marks a key milestone in the Takitimu North Link Stage 1 project, enhancing connectivity between Tauranga and Te Puna with a 6.8km four-lane expressway. This complex infrastructure, built in a sensitive urban wetland environment, includes major earthworks and advanced construction techniques, supporting improved traffic flow and safety. As one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing regions, the Bay of Plenty will benefit from this project’s goal to boost economic growth and freight efficiency, with completion expected in 2028.
22 Jul 2026
3 months ago
721 views
Provisional data for Term 2 2026 shows school attendance rates reached 64.2%, the highest since 2016 and a 5.8% increase from 2025, despite high fuel prices. The government’s focused attendance initiatives, including mandatory school attendance management plans and increased funding of $140 million over four years, have improved support and accountability for managing absences. Regional attendance gains were notable, and ongoing reforms aim to sustain this upward trend, emphasizing the link between regular attendance and positive educational and life outcomes.
13 Jul 2026
3 months ago
715 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.
13 Jul 2026
3 months ago
708 views
A major aquaculture settlement between the Crown and Te Moana-a-Toi iwi, involving 5000 hectares of new aquaculture space, aims to drive significant economic growth and workforce development in the Bay of Plenty. The region, known for open ocean mussel farming, has the potential to generate $200 million in annual revenue by 2035, contributing to the Government’s goal of $3 billion in aquaculture revenue nationwide. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones highlighted the settlement as a milestone that supports iwi leadership and strengthens local communities through stable jobs and export opportunities.
07 Jul 2026
3 months ago
807 views
Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced that NZTA has awarded a design contract to Beca for a new two-lane replacement of the one-lane SH2 Pekatahi Bridge, aiming to improve safety, resilience, and reliability. The new 325-meter bridge will feature earthquake-resilient foundations, an elevated deck to withstand flooding, and be constructed alongside the existing bridge to avoid long-term closures, with construction expected to start by mid-2027 pending funding approval. Meanwhile, NZTA will continue maintaining the current bridge, which remains safe but prioritized for replacement due to resilience concerns, with costs estimated between $64 and $69 million and construction lasting 18-24 months.
03 Jun 2026
4 months ago
923 views
Tauranga has launched a new mental health co-response team combining Police and mental health workers to better support people in crisis, replacing the traditional criminal justice response to 111 calls. This initiative, part of a $28 million Budget 2025 investment, aims to reduce distress caused by Police-only responses and improve outcomes by providing specialized mental health support. The program builds on successful models like Wellington’s, addressing high regional demand and correcting previous funding cuts under the former government.
15 May 2026
5 months ago
1079 views
The Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme in the Bay of Plenty has received Fast-track approval for re-consenting, enabling its continued operation and supporting New Zealand’s renewable energy goals by generating 169 GWh annually and avoiding 26,693 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. This approval, the 23rd under the Fast-track process, took five and a half months following an independent expert panel review and highlights the scheme’s critical role in supplying electricity to approximately 24,600 households and contributing significantly to Tauranga's demand. The Fast-track process aims to expedite important infrastructure projects efficiently, with 46 projects currently progressing and 149 eligible under the Fast-track Approvals Act.
14 May 2026
5 months ago
891 views
The Government has signed a City and Regional Deal with Western Bay of Plenty councils to establish a long-term partnership aimed at boosting economic growth, improving living standards, and supporting well-planned regional development. The Deal focuses on six pillars including transport infrastructure, housing development, social infrastructure, export growth, and economic diversification, with coordinated investment and planning aligned with the SmartGrowth partnership. Key projects like the Takitimu North Link and Tauriko West Roads, alongside joint funding mechanisms and strong governance, will support the region’s rapid growth and its role as a critical export gateway.
26 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1148 views
The New Zealand Government is investing over $800,000 to repair storm damage on three Great Ride cycle trails and provide marketing funds to support regional tourism recovery. Significant repairs include $300,000 for the Hauraki Rail Trail, $110,000 for the Waikato River Trail, and nearly $427,000 for Tasman’s Great Taste Trail, which contributes $34 million annually to the local economy. Additionally, targeted marketing funding aims to rebuild visitor confidence following severe weather events, reinforcing the partnership between central and local governments and supporting ongoing tourism and economic benefits.
19 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1142 views
The Takitimu North Link – Stage 2, a 7.7-kilometre four-lane highway between Te Puna and Ōmokoroa in the Western Bay of Plenty, has received Fast-track approval, aiming to improve safety, reliability, and regional growth. This project is part of the Government’s broader infrastructure plan to address New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit, create jobs, and stimulate economic output, with the Takitimu North Link expected to generate around $610 million and over 4,800 jobs. It is the 14th project approved through the Fast-track process, which expedites infrastructure development across various sectors nationwide.
17 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1191 views
The New Zealand Government has ringfenced $50 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support early-stage geothermal projects, aiming to de-risk exploration and boost regional productivity and resilience. So far, three projects have received funding, including two $10 million loans for the Taumanu and Kopura geothermal projects and a $3 million grant for the Whakatāne Geothermal Temperature Gradient Well Programme. These initiatives are expected to create jobs, promote Māori economic development, and enhance renewable energy capacity through exploration and potential new geothermal power stations.
03 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1138 views
The Government is providing additional funding to Mayoral Relief Funds across several districts to support communities affected by recent severe weather events, supplementing initial contributions made earlier this year. These funds enable local authorities to address urgent needs such as cleaning, debris removal, and supporting families and community organizations while broader recovery efforts are coordinated nationally. A National Recovery Office has been established to ensure a coordinated government response, with various agencies assisting in areas like agriculture, marae resilience, and emergency waste management.
26 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1363 views
The Government has classified recent weather events in the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, and Canterbury as medium-scale adverse events, unlocking additional support for affected farmers and growers. This support includes tax relief, Rural Assistance Payments, and activation of Enhanced Taskforce Green, with the Ministry for Primary Industries conducting on-farm assessments to identify those most in need. Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson urges farmers and growers to seek help through the Rural Support Trust for ongoing recovery efforts.
18 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1385 views
State Highway 35, closed for three weeks due to heavy rainfall and significant slips, will reopen daily from 7am to 7pm tomorrow, restoring vital access between Tairāwhiti and the eastern Bay of Plenty. Major repair efforts focused on clearing large slips, especially the Punaruku slip, with crews working around the clock to ensure safety despite ongoing fragility and single-lane traffic. Transport Minister Chris Bishop emphasized the importance of the reopening for local communities and thanked workers and residents for their patience and support during the restoration process.