Articles tagged with Shane Jones
Showing 15 of 171 articles
Waikato’s SH26 Bridge to Get $5M Upgrade for Safer, Resilient Transport
06 Oct 2026, 10:30 AM | 6 days ago | 171 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Waikato Shane Jones Chris Bishop Piraunui Stream Bridge State Highway 26 Regional Infrastructure Fund transport infrastructure regional development economic growth New ZealandJulian Wilcox Appointed Chair of Māori Language Commission to Lead Te Reo Revival
05 Oct 2026, 3:30 PM | 1 week ago | 167 viewsJulian Wilcox has been appointed Chair of the Māori Language Commission, bringing extensive knowledge of te reo Māori and strong leadership experience. The Commission plays a crucial role in promoting the Māori language, and Wilcox’s expertise positions him well to lead its ongoing efforts during his three-year term. Outgoing Chair Professor Rawinia Higgins was also acknowledged for her significant contributions to the revitalization and visibility of te reo Māori.
Tags: Julian Wilcox Shane Jones Rawinia Higgins Māori Language Commission te reo Māori Māori Development Minister Māori language Māori revitalisation Māori governance New ZealandNorthland Shipyard Fast-Track Approved, Boosting NZ Economy and Jobs
05 Oct 2026, 8:02 AM | 1 week ago | 148 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Northland Shipyard Dry Dock Environmental Protection Authority Shane Jones Marsden Point Regional Development Minister New Zealand infrastructure Regional Infrastructure FundGovernment Grants $5.7M to Support Regional Airlines Amid Rising Costs
05 Oct 2026, 5:00 AM | 1 week ago | 186 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Shane Jones James Meager Regional Infrastructure Fund Regional Development Minister Associate Transport Minister Air Chathams Sounds Air Island Air Golden Bay Air Stewart Island FlightsEnzed Energy Files Second Permit Application for Toutouwai Prospect in Taranaki Basin
01 Oct 2026, 10:07 AM | 1 week ago | 176 viewsEnzed Energy has submitted a second application for a petroleum exploration permit targeting the Toutouwai prospect in the offshore Taranaki Basin, signaling growing confidence in New Zealand's energy sector following the repeal of the offshore exploration ban. The government has opened a competitive process for a 2400 sq km permit area, with applications due by January 18, 2027, and will assess candidates based on technical, financial, and compliance criteria. Natural gas remains vital for New Zealand's energy security and economic resilience, and renewed exploration efforts aim to unlock new resources and support growth.
Tags: Enzed Energy Shane Jones Toutouwai prospect Taranaki Basin OMV New Zealand TotalEnergies EP Aotearoa ENZ Subsidiary 2 Limited New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals Crown Minerals Act Minerals Programme for Petroleum 2025Government Allocates $8M to Preserve and Enhance Waitangi Treaty Grounds
10 Sep 2026, 8:04 AM | 1 month ago | 362 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Waitangi Treaty Grounds Shane Jones Tama Potaka Regional Infrastructure Fund Te Tiriti o Waitangi New Zealand Māori Development Regional Development Haruru Falls Road Te Rau Aroha MuseumNZ Removes Royalties on Cushion Gas to Boost Underground Gas Storage and Energy Security
09 Sep 2026, 10:10 AM | 1 month ago | 383 viewsThe New Zealand Government will end the requirement for developers to pay royalties on "cushion gas," which is operational gas needed to maintain pressure in underground gas storage but unlikely to be extracted or sold. This change aims to remove regulatory barriers, encouraging investment in underground gas storage to improve the flexibility, resilience, and long-term energy security of the country’s energy system. An independent expert will determine the portion of gas qualifying as cushion gas, while future regulatory reviews will assess the effectiveness of this measure in supporting energy security.
Tags: Shane Jones Methanex New Zealand Resources Minister underground gas storage energy security petroleum regulatory framework cushion gas electricity generation gas royaltiesTaranaki Alliance Boosted by $3M Grant to Secure $100M+ Contracts
08 Sep 2026, 8:06 AM | 1 month ago | 364 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Shane Jones Taranaki Alliance Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki Methanex New Plymouth District Council Venture Taranaki Regional Development Minister Coalition Government Regional Infrastructure Fund oil and gas sectorFast-Track Approval Boosts Port of Tauranga Expansion with Stella Passage Development
07 Sep 2026, 11:11 AM | 1 month ago | 378 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Stella Passage Development Port of Tauranga Chris Bishop Shane Jones Sulphur Point Wharf Mount Maunganui Wharf New Zealand infrastructure Regional Development Environment CourtNew Zealand Invests $23.5M in Todd Energy Projects to Secure Gas Supply
07 Sep 2026, 8:01 AM | 1 month ago | 427 viewsNew Zealand is advancing its energy security by investing up to $23.5 million from the Gas Security Fund in two Todd Energy projects aimed at unlocking nearly 20 petajoules of additional gas reserves over five to nine years. These projects, expected to deliver gas by 2027, will provide around 6% of the country's projected gas production, supporting energy reliability during peak demand and complementing the transition to renewable energy. The fund, designed to accelerate gas supply and ensure electricity generation reliability, has attracted strong interest and involves significant co-investment from Todd Energy to share risks and promote economic growth.
Tags: Shane Jones Chris Bishop Todd Energy New Zealand Gas Security Fund McKee Gas Cap Kānoa Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Gas Advisory Panel25 Appointments Made to Nine New Zealand Community Trusts to Boost Local Support
03 Sep 2026, 11:25 AM | 1 month ago | 426 viewsAssociate Finance Minister Shane Jones announced 25 appointments and reappointments to nine of New Zealand's 12 community trusts, which manage over $3.5 billion in investments and grant about $100 million annually to various organizations. The appointees bring diverse expertise across sectors such as education, healthcare, business, and community development to support the trusts' mission of strengthening communities. These trusts, governed by the Community Trusts Act 1999, serve charitable, cultural, philanthropic, and recreational purposes within their regions, with terms lasting up to four years.
Tags: Shane Jones Blair Currie Christine Hall Andrew Peckham Chris Williams Catriona McKay Jared Pullar Ryan Eagar Bali Haque Chris Ussher$1.97M Investment to Restore Southern Scallop Fishery and Boost Economy
02 Sep 2026, 2:21 PM | 1 month ago | 433 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing $1.97 million alongside industry partners in a seven-year programme to restore the southern scallop fishery in Tasman and Golden Bays, aiming to rebuild the marine habitat and create a self-sustaining fishery. The project involves restoring 39 hectares of seabed by placing mussel shells to improve conditions for scallops, addressing past habitat degradation and poor juvenile survival. With strong support from iwi and industry, the $5.02 million initiative is expected to generate $21 million in revenue over 20 years, benefiting the regional economy, biodiversity, and community wellbeing.
Tags: Shane Jones Challenger Scallop Enhancement Company southern scallop fishery Primary Sector Growth Fund Tasman Bay Golden Bay New Zealand scallop restoration marine habitat Top of the South iwi$1.97M Investment to Restore Southern Scallop Fishery and Boost Economy
02 Sep 2026, 2:21 PM | 1 month ago | 387 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing $1.97 million, alongside over 60% industry funding, in a seven-year program to restore the southern scallop fishery in Tasman and Golden Bays, aiming to rebuild the fishery, marine habitat, and biodiversity. The project involves restoring 39 hectares of seabed using mussel shells to improve habitat conditions, supported by science, innovation, and collaboration with iwi and industry stakeholders. This restoration is expected to generate approximately $21 million in new revenue over 20 years, benefiting the regional economy, seafood sector, and community wellbeing.
Tags: southern scallop fishery Shane Jones Challenger Scallop Enhancement Company New Zealand Primary Sector Growth Fund marine habitat restoration Tasman Bay Golden Bay scallop restoration Top of the South iwiNew Zealand Clears Minerals Permit Backlog Boosting Sector Growth and Investment
27 Aug 2026, 10:54 AM | 1 month ago | 541 viewsThe New Zealand Government has successfully cleared a backlog of 311 historical minerals permit applications, enhancing the efficiency and certainty of the permitting system under Resources Minister Shane Jones. Interest and activity in the minerals sector have surged, with record numbers of applications and permit decisions made by New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZP&M), supporting investment, regional growth, and economic opportunities. While NZP&M maintains timely and fair decision-making, the quality of applications remains crucial for processing speed, and the agency continues to administer over 1,000 permits with strong performance against targeted timeframes.
Tags: Shane Jones New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals NZP&M minerals permits minerals sector Government permitting system investment exploration mining permitsNew Petroleum Prospecting Application Targets Offshore Pegasus Basin in NZ
25 Aug 2026, 10:07 AM | 1 month ago | 479 viewsResources Minister Shane Jones announced a new petroleum prospecting application by CBX Energy Limited for the largely under-explored Pegasus Basin east of New Zealand’s North Island, aiming to enhance understanding of its hydrocarbon potential. This application, covering over 4207 sq km, is part of a competitive three-month process and reflects renewed industry confidence following the repeal of the offshore exploration ban. The prospecting will utilize existing geological and geophysical data to inform future exploration, with applications assessed based on technical, financial, and compliance criteria under the Minerals Programme for Petroleum 2025.
Tags: Shane Jones CBX Energy Limited Pegasus Basin New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals Wahipapa fairway offshore exploration petroleum prospecting hydrocarbons Minerals Programme for Petroleum 2025 Crown Minerals Act