06 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
409 views
The Government has signed a 10-year City and Regional Deal with Otago Central Lakes councils to support housing, infrastructure, and economic growth, guided by a 30-year vision to diversify the region’s economy beyond tourism. The Deal includes commitments to improve housing affordability, transport infrastructure, energy capacity, health services, and rural economic development through coordinated central and local government efforts. An Oversight Board will monitor progress, with an Implementation Plan to be completed within six months, ensuring the region’s growth benefits residents and attracts investment.
06 Oct 2026
4 weeks ago
315 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
4 weeks ago
277 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
4 weeks ago
315 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.
30 Sep 2026
1 month ago
359 views
New Zealand's Planning Act and Natural Environment Act have received Royal assent, replacing the Resource Management Act 1991 and establishing a new planning system aimed at simplifying development, enhancing environmental management, and providing greater certainty for communities and investors. The new system emphasizes upfront decision-making through national policy direction, consistent standards, and long-term regional spatial planning to guide growth, protection, and infrastructure over the next 30 years. Implementation will involve collaboration with councils, iwi, and stakeholders, supported by digital tools and a dedicated website, with key milestones including finalizing policy direction by 2027 and full system operation by 2030.
30 Sep 2026
1 month ago
419 views
Auckland’s new transport governance reforms, effective from tomorrow, restore democratic accountability by shifting most local transport functions from Auckland Transport to Auckland Council, enabling elected members to directly influence and be responsible for transport decisions. The changes also empower local boards with new responsibilities and establish the Auckland Regional Transport Committee to coordinate long-term planning between central and local government. Mayor Wayne Brown emphasizes that these reforms allow practical, accountable decision-making to improve transport efficiency and support the city’s growth, while Auckland Transport will focus on delivering public transport services.
29 Sep 2026
1 month ago
260 views
Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced that southbound traffic on State Highway 1 between Papakura and Drury has shifted to a new motorway alignment and bridge, marking a major milestone in the project aimed at improving safety, resilience, and journey reliability. The project includes constructing five new bridges, widening the motorway, and future-proofing infrastructure against climate change, with completion expected by 2030 to provide three lanes each way, enhanced walking and cycling paths, and improved interchange facilities. These upgrades will support growth in South Auckland, strengthen freight and commuter connections, and incorporate features like wide shoulders for future bus services and comprehensive stormwater treatment.
14 Sep 2026
1 month ago
486 views
The New Zealand Government is providing up to $580,000 in one-off funding to support the Roderique Hope Trust and YMCA Taranaki in helping people experiencing homelessness in the Taranaki region secure stable housing. This funding will enable coordinated efforts through the Taranaki Housing Pathways Initiative, with Roderique Hope Trust leading community collaboration and YMCA Taranaki delivering targeted outreach to those sleeping rough. The investment is part of a broader $14.5 million national package aimed at expanding effective short-term homelessness initiatives.
12 Sep 2026
1 month ago
403 views
The Government is investing $835,000, funded by the International Visitor Levy, to enhance Kaikōura’s visitor facilities, especially for cruise arrivals, and improve public spaces for both tourists and locals. This investment aims to support tourism growth by creating a more welcoming experience, boosting the local economy, and addressing pressures on the small local community. By improving infrastructure in Kaikōura, the initiative seeks to increase visitor spending, job opportunities, and overall economic benefits for the region.
10 Sep 2026
1 month ago
536 views
Planning for the redevelopment of Hawke's Bay, Palmerston North, and Tauranga hospitals has advanced with early concept designs showcasing future acute services buildings that centralize critical departments for improved patient care. These projects, part of Health New Zealand's Regional Hospital Redevelopment Programme, follow a consistent, phased approach supported by recently announced Budget 2026 funding for design and site preparation. The developments aim to enhance capacity, connectivity, and facilities, laying a foundation for hospitals that will serve their communities effectively for decades.
10 Sep 2026
1 month ago
491 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.
08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
380 views
A $640,000 loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund has been granted to South East Air to refurbish an aircraft, increasing Stewart Island Flights' fleet from four to five planes. This funding aims to enhance regional air connectivity, support essential services like healthcare and education, and boost tourism and business on Stewart Island. The loan is part of a broader $30 million initiative to sustain vulnerable regional air services and help airlines manage costs amid rising fuel prices.
08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
481 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
433 views
Franz Josef township has achieved a significant flood resilience milestone with the completion of key Waiho River stop bank upgrades, enhancing protection for homes, farms, and infrastructure. These works, part of the second stage of the Franz Josef Flood Protection Scheme, are co-funded by a $6 million Regional Infrastructure Fund grant and follow an initial $9.2 million investment from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund. The upgrades aim to safeguard the community against destructive flooding from the glacier-fed Waiho River while preparing for the final Havill Wall upgrade to protect additional critical assets.
07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
480 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.