10 Sep 2026
1 month ago
401 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
311 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
391 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
337 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
399 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.
07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
381 views
Significant progress has been made on New Zealand's Aviation Action Plan, with over half of its 25 priorities completed within a year, including funding for RNZAF Base Ohakea as an alternative airport and support for regional airlines. Key achievements also involve updating pilot training, addressing workforce challenges, modernizing civil aviation rules, and assessing future infrastructure needs. The government favors a voluntary passenger rights charter over regulation to allow flexible improvements, emphasizing ongoing collaboration between the Aviation Council, industry, and government to strengthen the aviation sector.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
431 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will host Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell in Auckland for the annual Closer Economic Relations Trade Ministers meeting and discussions with trans-Tasman businesses to strengthen economic ties. In 2025, two-way trade between New Zealand and Australia reached $35 billion, with Australia being New Zealand's largest export destination and international visitor market. The visit will also include talks on tourism growth, Māori tourism, and regional economic development to enhance collaboration between the two countries.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
438 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will host Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell in Auckland for the annual Closer Economic Relations Trade Ministers meeting and discussions with trans-Tasman businesses to strengthen the partnership. Their 2025 two-way trade reached $35 billion, with Australia as New Zealand’s largest export destination and visitor market, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong economic and tourism links. Minister Farrell will also meet with Tourism Minister Louise Upston and participate in a Bay of Islands program focused on Māori tourism and regional economic development.
27 Aug 2026
1 month ago
455 views
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has welcomed Tourism Industry Aotearoa's Tourism 2050 strategy, highlighting its role in guiding the future of tourism amid upcoming challenges and opportunities. She emphasized the strategy’s alignment with the Government's Tourism Policy Statement, which aims for sustainable growth benefiting visitors, communities, and the economy. Upston expressed support for ongoing collaboration between the government, industry, and communities to ensure the tourism sector's long-term success through innovation and balanced development.
20 Aug 2026
2 months ago
589 views
The NZ Transport Agency has released the Auckland Motorway Strategic Plan (AMSP), a 30+ year strategy focused on smarter traffic management, targeted capacity increases, and wider transport system improvements to optimize the existing motorway network and support Auckland’s growth beyond two million people. The plan emphasizes making better use of current infrastructure through measures like Time of Use Charging, addressing bottlenecks with targeted investments, and enhancing public transport, active modes, and freight efficiency to reduce motorway congestion. This long-term strategy, developed in partnership with Auckland Council, will guide future investment decisions and regional transport planning but does not represent immediate construction or funding commitments.
19 Aug 2026
2 months ago
593 views
The Government is taking targeted action to provide certainty for farmers in Waikato and Manawatū-Whanganui by preventing restrictive elements of Plan Change 1 (PC1) and Plan Change 2 (PC2) from applying during the transition to a new planning system, reducing duplication and regulatory burden. While ongoing environmental improvements remain required, prescribed nitrogen discharge reductions under PC2 will no longer apply, and the new natural environment plan will specifically consider PC1 to respect prior work. These changes aim to avoid economic disruption and uncertainty for farmers, with amendments to be progressed through upcoming legislation later this month.
18 Aug 2026
2 months ago
526 views
The Government is funding an additional Growth Advisor at the Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce through June 2027 to provide hands-on support for local business owners recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle. This advisor will offer practical guidance on planning, growth opportunities, and decision-making, helping businesses navigate ongoing challenges and access regional resources. The initiative aims to strengthen Hawke's Bay's productive economy by ensuring small businesses receive timely, local expertise to rebuild and succeed.
17 Aug 2026
2 months ago
559 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.
14 Aug 2026
2 months ago
634 views
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has released an investigation report and launched a public consultation on specific provisions in the Hamilton City Operative District Plan that may unnecessarily increase development costs and complexity, particularly affecting social and affordable housing. The review focuses on rules related to electric vehicle charging, cycle parking, deep soil planting, urban tree canopy, and building design controls, aiming to ensure planning regulations support economic growth and housing supply. Consultation runs from 24 August to 7 September 2026, after which officials will analyze submissions and advise the Government on potential regulatory changes under the Resource Management Act.
12 Aug 2026
2 months ago
566 views
The Government has allocated $30 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support projects that grow New Zealand's hydrogen sector, emphasizing hydrogen's potential to diversify renewable energy and reduce emissions in heavy transport and industry. This initiative complements existing renewable resources, aims to enhance energy security, and encourages innovation and private investment, particularly in regional areas. Additionally, the Government is developing a regulatory framework for emerging white and orange hydrogen industries to provide clarity and attract further investment.