03 Nov 2026
1 hour ago
33 views
The Government is continuing its support for regional air services, with Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Transport Minister James Meager announcing an $845,000 loan to Hawke’s Bay airline Air Napier. The Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) loan will help Air Napier undertake essential upgrades to its fleet and refinance some existing debt. “Air Napier plays an important role in supporting businesses across Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti, and helping people access essential services,” Mr Jones says.
03 Nov 2026
1 hour ago
28 views
Hawke’s Bay’s arable sector is set to benefit from a $3 million Regional Infrastructure Fund loan for a new grower-led seed cleaning, processing and storage facility in Central Hawke’s Bay, Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson says. “Currently, much of the seed grown in Hawke's Bay that requires specialist cleaning and processing is sent outside the region, including to as far away as Canterbury, before it can be sold domestically or exported. This adds cost, creates inefficiencies, and reduces returns for local growers” Mr Patterson says.
02 Nov 2026
21 hours ago
62 views
A Regional Infrastructure Fund grant will be used to modernise Kerikeri’s Turner Centre, helping the Far North town play host to more cultural, community and business events, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The grant of up to $3 million will go towards the first stage of a $6. 3 million upgrade of the centre’s Plaza and Event Centre.
02 Nov 2026
1 day ago
74 views
A $3. 46 million grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will provide safer access to Rotorua’s Eastgate Business Park from State Highway 30, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Transport Minister Chris Bishop say. A four-way intersection controlled by traffic lights at the junction of SH30 and Wahanga-A-Rangi Crescent will improve safety on the busy highway, support development at the business park and provide for future access to the planned Rotorua Airport Business Park nearby.
01 Nov 2026
2 days ago
77 views
The Regional Infrastructure Fund will invest in supporting Mainland Rail to return passenger rail services to Christchurch for a 12-month trial and establish the Christchurch-Dunedin-Invercargill Mainlander as a regular service, Rail Minister Winston Peters and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones say. “New Zealand’s railways began in Christchurch in 1863, and it is time we put them back to use again for passenger rail, not just freight and tourism,” Mr Peters says. Mainland Rail, which owns rail carriages, intends to provide a 12-month trial service to test Canterbury’s appetite for rail as a public transport service and run more frequent trains from Christchurch-Dunedin-Invercargill.
29 Oct 2026
4 days ago
121 views
A new building at Mātai Medical Research Institute will expand medical research, specialist healthcare and education opportunities in Tairāwhiti, supported by a $20 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. “In its short history, Mātai has put Tairāwhiti on the map with what it has achieved in advanced medical imaging and neuroscience research. They are true pioneers in translating preventative and predictive healthcare research into real-world health solutions,” Mr Jones says.
23 Oct 2026
1 week ago
157 views
The Regional Infrastructure Fund will invest $6 million towards replacing the Monowai Suspension Bridge in western Southland, Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson and South Island Minister James Meager say. The funding will support construction of a new bridge on Lake Monowai Road, ensuring continued access to Monowai Valley and Fiordland National Park. “This bridge is a vital link for the Monowai Valley communities and businesses, and the historic Monowai hydroelectric power station which has contributed to the electricity network for more than 100 years,” Mr Patterson says.
22 Oct 2026
1 week ago
211 views
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.
21 Oct 2026
1 week ago
161 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.
16 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
229 views
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.
15 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
262 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
2 weeks ago
252 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
2 weeks ago
219 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.
13 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
361 views
A new peer-led Crisis Recovery Café, Te Piringa Āhuru ki Maungawhau, has opened in Mt Eden to provide faster, non-clinical mental health and addiction support through lived-experience peer workers. This initiative, led by Ember and part of a nationwide rollout, offers a safe, welcoming space without referral, helping connect people to community services and advocacy. Operating daily from midday to 8pm, it builds on the success of previous cafés in South Auckland and Kaitaia, enhancing crisis response and frontline support in the Northern Region.
07 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
377 views
The Government is supporting 22 NGOs through the third round of the Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund to enhance faster access to support, increase frontline workers, and improve crisis response. The fund, which has supported 39 initiatives so far, enables community organisations to test new approaches and expand successful programs, including addiction recovery, youth crisis services, and integrated mental health care. Various organisations across New Zealand are receiving funding to deliver targeted mental health and addiction support services, aiming to provide earlier and more effective assistance to those in need.