03 Sep 2026
1 month ago
516 views
Associate 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.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
502 views
The 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.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
459 views
The 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.
27 Aug 2026
2 months ago
601 views
The 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.
25 Aug 2026
2 months ago
557 views
Resources 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.
24 Aug 2026
2 months ago
518 views
Fisheries New Zealand is consulting the public on proposals to reopen limited recreational scallop fishing in Whangārei Harbour after a four-year closure, following surveys indicating sustainable scallop levels. The proposals include maintaining the current closure until broader management plans are finalized, allowing a limited seasonal scallop fishing starting this spring or summer, and establishing ongoing seasonal fishing from 2027 or 2028 with new fishing rules. Commercial scallop fishing will remain prohibited, and feedback is sought by 18 September to balance community benefits with sustainability.
22 Aug 2026
2 months ago
632 views
The Northland Shipyard and Dry Dock project at Marsden Point has lodged a fast-track consent application under the Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024, aiming to provide domestic maintenance for large vessels and reduce reliance on overseas dry docks. The facility is expected to boost the economy by $1.05 billion over 38 years, create significant jobs during construction and operation, and support New Zealand’s maritime sector and regional development. Located near Northport with deep-water access, the project aligns with national infrastructure goals and is part of the National-NZ First coalition agreement.
19 Aug 2026
2 months ago
632 views
Legislation changes will centralize fishing and fishery resource management under the Fisheries Act, removing councils' authority to regulate these activities to reduce confusion and streamline oversight. The new planning system replacing the Resource Management Act aims to support primary sector growth, simplify aquaculture consent processes, and enable ministerial decisions on aquaculture space to boost sustainable industry expansion. These reforms intend to enhance fishery sustainability, increase seafood availability, and create economic opportunities while maintaining local community involvement and transitioning existing council rules until 2030.
13 Aug 2026
2 months ago
626 views
New Zealand has granted a 10-year petroleum mining permit to Matahio NZ Onshore Limited for the Puka field in Taranaki, expected to increase domestic natural gas supply and generate export revenue from oil production. The permit highlights growing momentum in the petroleum sector, with estimated recoverable reserves supporting energy security amid declining gas supplies. Resources Minister Shane Jones emphasizes the importance of a diverse energy system combining responsible resource development, renewable energy, and emerging technologies to ensure affordable and reliable energy.
13 Aug 2026
2 months ago
649 views
New Zealand has granted Matahio NZ Onshore Limited a 10-year petroleum mining permit for the Puka field in Taranaki, expected to add natural gas to the domestic market and generate valuable oil export earnings. The permit highlights growing momentum in the petroleum sector amid declining gas reserves, with gas remaining critical for electricity generation and industrial use alongside renewable energy. Resources Minister Shane Jones emphasizes that responsible resource development, combined with investment in renewables and emerging technologies, is essential for a resilient, affordable, and secure energy system.
13 Aug 2026
2 months ago
820 views
The speaker highlights the government's strong infrastructure track record, emphasizing value-for-money investments, policy reforms, and major projects underway, while acknowledging challenges like a funding gap and high costs in the land transport system. To address these, the government plans an independent report on cost drivers and reforms in funding and oversight, aiming for a sustainable, user-funded, and efficient transport network aligned with economic growth and housing development. The upcoming Government Policy Statement (GPS) 2027 will focus on cost control, maintenance, productivity, safety, and transit-oriented development to maximize infrastructure benefits and support growth.
12 Aug 2026
2 months ago
596 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.
12 Aug 2026
2 months ago
622 views
The Government has allocated $30 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support projects aimed at growing New Zealand’s hydrogen sector, emphasizing its potential to enhance renewable energy, reduce emissions, and improve energy security. Minister Shane Jones highlighted hydrogen’s role in heavy transport and industry where electrification is less viable, and noted ongoing efforts to establish regulatory frameworks for white and orange hydrogen development. This funding package aims to foster innovation, attract private investment, and strengthen regional economic growth through emerging hydrogen technologies.
12 Aug 2026
2 months ago
668 views
The Regional Infrastructure Fund will invest $15 million in Aspiring Materials Limited to develop a $31 million commercial-scale facility in Southland that produces green hydrogen and critical minerals using patented technology. This government-supported project aims to boost economic development, reduce emissions in sectors where electrification is challenging, and strengthen New Zealand’s energy sector through innovation and advanced manufacturing. The funding, part of an $80 million allocation for critical minerals, highlights the government's commitment to diverse energy solutions and regional growth.
12 Aug 2026
2 months ago
664 views
The Regional Infrastructure Fund will invest $15 million in Aspiring Materials Limited to develop a $31 million commercial-scale plant in Southland that produces green hydrogen and extracts critical minerals from quarry waste using patented technology. This government-backed initiative aims to boost economic development, support energy innovation, and position New Zealand’s regions to capitalize on emerging industrial opportunities, particularly in sectors where hydrogen can reduce emissions. The funding, part of an $80 million allocation for critical minerals projects, aligns with the Hydrogen Action Plan to diversify energy solutions and enhance economic resilience.