29 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1301 views
Nelson Marina has received a $12.89 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to expand its facilities, including installing a 110-tonne vessel hoist and increasing hardstand capacity from 14 to 54 bays. The project, co-funded by Nelson Marina Management Ltd with a matching $12.89 million, aims to create up to 110 construction jobs and 180 ongoing roles, boosting the region's $350 million blue economy. Construction is set to begin in May and is expected to be completed by mid-2028, supporting the government's goal of regional economic growth through improved infrastructure.
29 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1280 views
Nelson’s marina expansion has received a $12.89 million loan to upgrade infrastructure, including a 110-tonne vessel hoist and expanded maintenance capacity, aiming to boost the regional economy and create up to 180 ongoing jobs. The project, co-funded by Nelson Marina Management Ltd and owned by Nelson City Council, will also feature a new marine service centre with office, retail, and workshop spaces. Construction is set to begin in May and finish by mid-2028, supporting Nelson’s significant blue economy, which contributes over $350 million annually and employs more than 3,700 people.
28 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1358 views
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is considering new restrictions and public education measures to address concerns about marine life depletion in rockpools around Whangaparāoa Peninsula and other areas. Fishery Officers are actively patrolling beaches to enforce current rules, with recent inspections revealing significant non-compliance, prompting a commitment to hold offenders accountable. Alongside potential rule changes, community engagement and education are emphasized to support the protection and sustainability of marine ecosystems for future generations.
26 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1509 views
Wairoa Airport will receive a $4.2 million upgrade, including runway extension and improved infrastructure, to enhance its operational capacity and support the region’s growing needs. The airport plays a crucial role in commercial flights, emergency health transport, and logistics during extreme weather, as demonstrated during Cyclone Gabrielle. Funded by the Regional Infrastructure Fund and North Island Weather Event fund, construction will begin in late 2026, with local employment prioritized.
23 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1496 views
The Government is investing over $10 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to upgrade the National Ringatū Marae Complex in Bay of Plenty, enhancing infrastructure resilience and creating 71 jobs, particularly for Māori youth. The new complex will serve as a cultural, educational, and civil defence hub, preserving the heritage of the Ringatū faith founded by Te Kooti and supporting the broader Māori community. This initiative follows similar investments in other significant marae and aims to strengthen rural marae as vital community assets.
18 Jan 2026
9 months ago
2212 views
The Government, led by Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft, is urgently seeking advice on addressing the unsustainable removal of marine life from rockpools on Whangaparāoa Peninsula and surrounding areas. Following a request from the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust for a temporary fisheries closure, officials are considering measures such as species-specific collection prohibitions and educational campaigns to protect these ecosystems. Collaboration with local communities and stakeholders aims to find balanced solutions that support ecosystem recovery while avoiding negative impacts on legitimate activities like oyster farming.
16 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1511 views
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced changes to the deemed value system for fish caught outside commercial quotas, allowing fees to better reflect the actual market value based on how fish are landed, such as fresh versus frozen. The amendment aims to address financial disadvantages faced by fishers using deepwater freezer vessels who currently pay deemed values based on higher fresh fish prices, by enabling alternative rates for inshore stocks caught as bycatch. Additionally, the proposal to allow commercial fishers to land and sell marlin bycatch has been rejected, with the Fisheries Act Amendment Bill set for introduction in early 2026 and public consultation to follow.
15 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1431 views
The New Zealand Government has enacted amendments to five major National Direction instruments under the Resource Management Act to simplify consenting for mines, quarries, and coastal activities, aiming to support infrastructure development and economic growth. These changes streamline the planning system by reducing duplication and conflicting language, enabling more efficient resource development while maintaining environmental safeguards and supporting sectors like renewable energy and aquaculture. The reforms, effective January 2026, represent the first tranche of RMA national direction updates designed to integrate smoothly with the forthcoming new planning system, with further instruments planned for future consideration.
15 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1379 views
New Zealand has removed the need for building and resource consents for granny flats up to 70 square metres, simplifying the process and reducing costs by up to $5,650 and 14 weeks. This change, part of the Coalition Government’s housing reforms, aims to increase affordable and diverse housing options while boosting construction jobs and easing council workloads. Homeowners must ensure their granny flats meet Building Code standards and local council rules, with guidance and templates available from government websites.
06 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1408 views
Elaine Bay Fuel Services has received a $350,000 grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to install a 20,000-litre petrol tank and dispensing infrastructure, restoring critical fuel access for communities, marine operators, and emergency services in the outer Marlborough Sounds. This investment supports key regional industries like aquaculture, tourism, and farming by reducing the need for a one-hour drive to Rai Valley for refuelling and enhancing resilience against road closures caused by extreme weather. The project, co-funded with $235,000 from EBFS, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
28 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1480 views
Fishery Officer patrols will increase over summer to combat the growing problem of illegal pāua poaching and black-market trade, particularly in Wellington and Wairarapa where compliance rates have dropped. Minister Shane Jones urges the public to report illegal activity via the 0800 4 POACHER line and warns against suspiciously cheap pāua sales, especially on social media during peak months. The initiative aims to protect legitimate fishers and pāua stocks by encouraging community cooperation and adherence to fishing rules.
19 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1661 views
Northland’s east coast spiny rock lobster fishery will be largely closed to both commercial and recreational fishing, with reduced recreational daily limits, to help restore lobster stocks and maintain marine ecosystem balance. These measures, including extended closures from Ohao Point to Cape Rodney and a nationwide limit on packhorse lobster catches, follow a voluntary commercial closure and aim to prevent fishers from shifting pressure to other species. After public consultation with over 600 submissions, the new regulations will take effect from April 1, 2026.
18 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1507 views
Kings Quarry Limited has received Fast-track approval to expand its quarry operations in Auckland, allowing extraction of up to 500,000 tonnes per year for up to 100 years. The project aims to supply local aggregate materials for major infrastructure, reducing transport costs, emissions, and heavy traffic while providing long-term regional employment. Fast-track approval streamlines the consent process, avoiding lengthy and costly procedures, and is part of a broader initiative with 25 projects now referred to this expedited process.
18 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1394 views
The Waihi North mining project has received fast-track consent to expand operations until 2043, significantly boosting New Zealand’s economy with an estimated $5.2 billion in silver and gold exports and supporting around 800 jobs. The expedited approval process took 112 working days, compared to the usual five years, and is expected to generate $422 million in Crown revenue for public services. Oceana Gold’s application includes new open pit and underground mines, extending mining beyond the original 2030 expiry and highlighting the Fast-track process’s role in accelerating major infrastructure projects.
18 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1487 views
The $200 million Gas Security Fund, opening on 12 January 2026, aims to increase natural gas availability in New Zealand by supporting projects that accelerate supply or enable storage for critical demand periods. Declining gas production is raising costs and hindering economic growth, making natural gas essential during the transition to renewable energy sources. A new gas advisory panel will provide expert guidance to ministers, ensuring informed decisions amid the complexities of gas exploration and market conditions.