01 May 2026
6 months ago
1397 views
Major infrastructure upgrades at Parihaka in Taranaki, supported by $19.8 million in government funding and $8.5 million in community investment, have been completed to strengthen and protect this historically significant Māori site. The improvements to roads, water, lighting, and public amenities enhance flood resilience, reduce environmental risks, and enable future housing while honoring Parihaka’s legacy of non-violent resistance and Māori self-determination. These upgrades fulfill commitments under the Parihaka Deed of Reconciliation Agreement and support the community’s ongoing role as a symbol of peace, justice, and learning for future generations.
30 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1184 views
Landmark reforms to Auckland’s transport system have passed, shifting most transport decision-making powers from Auckland Transport to Auckland Council to restore democratic accountability and improve infrastructure planning. The new legislation establishes a Regional Transport Committee for long-term planning, grants local boards more control over local roads, and refocuses Auckland Transport on public transport delivery. Government and Auckland leaders emphasize that these changes will create a more efficient, connected, and responsive transport system aligned with urban development and community needs.
24 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1135 views
Three regional airlines—Air Chathams, Sounds Air, and Island Air—will receive loans from the $30 million Regional Infrastructure Fund to refinance debt, upgrade fleets, and maintain essential air services connecting remote communities. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Transport Minister James Meager emphasize the importance of these airlines for regional connectivity, economic wellbeing, and access to healthcare, especially amid pressures from rising fuel costs and global uncertainties. The government is also considering temporarily adjusting loan conditions to support airlines further and continues to assess additional funding applications.
22 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1126 views
The Crown Land Legislation Amendment Bill, introduced by Land Information Minister Mike Butterick, aims to provide high country farmers greater flexibility to diversify their activities, including farm shops, hospitality, horticulture, and renewable energy projects, thereby boosting economic growth and job creation in regional New Zealand. The bill seeks to streamline administrative processes, reduce red tape, and ensure that new activities maintain or enhance the unique environmental values of pastoral lands. Public input is invited through the Select Committee process to help shape the final legislation, reflecting the Government’s commitment to economic growth, environmental stewardship, and strong rural communities.
17 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1211 views
A fast-tracked 23MW Waitaha Hydro project in the Waitaha Valley, supported by Westpower Limited and Poutini Ngāi Tahu, aims to generate renewable electricity for 12,000 homes and reduce CO₂ emissions by 129,000 tonnes annually, enhancing the West Coast’s energy resilience and lowering high electricity costs. The project, which took about 20 years to progress and received necessary approvals within five months under the Fast-track Approvals Act, is expected to create 71 full-time jobs during its $160-$200 million construction phase. This initiative also contributes to New Zealand’s broader energy system by managing dry-year hydro risks and supporting local economic development.
17 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1158 views
The opening of the new hardstand and 550-tonne mobile boat hoist at Port Nelson enhances the region’s marine servicing capacity by allowing larger vessels to be serviced separately from smaller ones. Funded by a $9.8 million Crown equity investment and contributions from local councils, the Calwell facility now supports vessels from 50 to 2400 tonnes and strengthens Nelson’s marine industry, preserving jobs and skills. Additionally, a $12.89 million loan will fund a neighbouring marina upgrade to increase hardstand capacity and install a 110-tonne hoist, with construction starting in May.
14 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1317 views
Fast-track approval has been granted for the Ayrburn Screen Hub, a 7,200m² film and television production village in Queenstown, expected to inject $280 million into the local economy and support around 370 local jobs annually. The expert panel assessed environmental, cultural, and infrastructural impacts, finding manageable landscape effects and significant regional environmental benefits, including improved water quality. This project is the second in Otago to gain fast-track approval, part of a broader initiative with numerous infrastructure and development projects progressing under the Fast-track Approvals Act.
10 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1190 views
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown have signed New Zealand’s first Auckland City Deal, establishing a long-term partnership to boost economic growth, improve living standards, and coordinate infrastructure and urban development projects. The Deal focuses on integrated planning across transport, housing, innovation, and environmental initiatives, with key projects including transport strategies, redevelopment of major venues, and growth precincts, supported by a new Crown uplift funding tool. This agreement sets a precedent for future regional deals, enhancing collaboration between central and local government to deliver sustainable growth and prosperity.
08 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1138 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters welcomes recent announcements by the United States and Iran as positive steps toward ending the conflict. He acknowledges the ongoing efforts of Pakistan, Turkiye, and Egypt in seeking a resolution and highlights the broad impacts of the conflict, including on New Zealand and the Pacific region. New Zealand commits to supporting all initiatives aimed at achieving a lasting and durable ceasefire in the coming days and weeks.
07 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1351 views
The Tukituki Water Security Project in Hawkes Bay will begin pre-construction work supported by an $18.13 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to enhance water storage and security. The project aims to enable irrigation of up to 22,000 hectares, create 300 construction jobs, and boost the region’s annual GDP by up to $693 million by supporting horticulture, seed production, and pastoral farming. By storing 104 million cubic meters of water, the facility will address water scarcity in one of New Zealand’s driest regions, promoting long-term economic growth and resilience.
02 Apr 2026
7 months ago
1245 views
The New Zealand Government will invest up to $21.6 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support Channel Infrastructure NZ Ltd in increasing diesel storage capacity by 90 million litres at Marsden Point, enhancing fuel resilience amid global supply disruptions. The project aims to recommission storage tanks within two months to secure diesel supplies beyond the current secure period until the end of May. This initiative addresses the critical need for large-scale fuel storage, particularly for diesel, which is vital to the economy, and work is set to begin imminently with close government oversight.
31 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1198 views
Mystery Creek near Hamilton is upgrading its over-50-year-old water infrastructure with a $1.35 million Regional Infrastructure Fund loan to increase water storage and support growing visitor numbers. The site hosts National Fieldays, attracting over 110,000 visitors and generating significant economic impact, as well as more than 100 other events annually, and serves as a critical Civil Defence logistics hub. The project includes replacing the water network, installing a 600,000-litre tank, creating up to seven jobs, and aims to enhance safety, accessibility, and resilience ahead of this year’s Fieldays.
26 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1332 views
The speech highlights New Zealand's efforts to sustainably grow its tourism sector through initiatives like the Regional Events Promotion Fund, Major Events and Tourism Package, and investments in infrastructure such as cycle trails and the New Zealand International Convention Centre. It emphasizes the importance of coordinated national leadership, streamlined regional collaboration, and long-term investment to support tourism as a strategic national asset, culminating in the upcoming Tourism Policy Statement to provide clear direction and governance. The government aims to balance boosting visitor demand with enhancing supply capacity, ensuring growth benefits both visitors and New Zealand communities while protecting unique local experiences.
26 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1111 views
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met with Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo in Auckland to reaffirm the close friendship and partnership between New Zealand and Tuvalu, focusing on regional security, resilience, and prosperity. They renewed their Statement of Partnership, which includes additional support for Tuvalu’s coastal resilience efforts through the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project. Discussions also addressed climate change, economic and social priorities, and New Zealand pledged support for Tuvalu’s upcoming pre-COP31 Leaders’ event.
25 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1508 views
Hamilton Airport will receive a $6.5 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to extend its runway by 255 meters, enhancing its capacity and resilience as a key hub for domestic and international freight and passenger transport. The upgrade, including apron expansion and lighting improvements, supports Waikato’s major manufacturers and exporters and provides an alternative airport option during disruptions at other North Island airports. The project, led by Waikato Regional Airport Ltd with a $3.3 million contribution, is expected to create up to 39 local jobs and strengthen New Zealand’s national aviation network.