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Attorney-General Hon Chris Bishop has announced the appointment of Vanessa Curac as a District Court Judge. Ms Curac has been practising law for 25 years, having started out as a solicitor for Oranga Tamariki, before becoming a Barrister in 2004, working in the Youth, Family and Criminal Courts. Her practice has focussed on representing young people in the Youth Court, children in the Family Court and young adults in the District Courts in South Auckland.
The New Zealand Government will invest around $40 million from Budget 2026 to enhance the resilience of State Highway 94 between Te Anau and Milford, a crucial route for tourism to Milford Sound. Upgrades include widening roadways and strengthening retaining walls at key sites to prevent disruptions from natural hazards, with additional work planned on SH94 and other vulnerable South Island highways. This $150 million-plus package aims to reduce community disruptions, support businesses, and improve freight and visitor access, reflecting a significant funding boost for South Island roads under the 2024-27 National Land Transport Plan.
The Deep Creek Bridge on South Canterbury’s State Highway 82 will be replaced at a cost of $7.5 million, funded by the Regional Infrastructure Fund, due to significant deterioration making replacement more cost-effective than repairs. This bridge supports about 1850 vehicles daily, playing a vital role in local transport, agriculture, and freight, with design and construction planned to begin by 2027. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Transport Minister Chris Bishop emphasize that reliable transport infrastructure is crucial for regional productivity, connectivity, and economic growth.
The Queenstown Cable Car project by Southern Infrastructure Limited has secured an initial $265 million private lending agreement with Private Capital Group, funded partly through the Government’s Active Investor Plus visa program. This cable car aims to connect key areas in Queenstown, providing a rapid public transport solution to alleviate road congestion amid the region’s rapid growth. The project exemplifies the government’s strategy to attract international investment for infrastructure development, leveraging private capital and innovative funding to address New Zealand’s infrastructure challenges.
Land has been secured on Karaka Road in Drury for a future hospital facility to address South Auckland’s rapidly growing healthcare needs, with the 13-hectare site offering excellent transport links and proximity to Fisher & Paykel Healthcare’s R&D precinct. The $45.3 million purchase aims to provide space for modern, accessible health infrastructure that supports quality services and fosters innovation in the region. The Government, through NIFCO and Health New Zealand, will plan and potentially develop a major hospital, ensuring long-term investment and flexibility to meet future healthcare demands.
The Government is advancing safety upgrades at the busy SH60, Pugh Road, and McShane Road intersection near Richmond following 22 crashes since 2021 and community concerns. Design work is underway with NZTA, consultants, and local stakeholders, aiming for construction funding consideration in the 2027-30 National Land Transport Programme. This initiative is part of a broader increase in South Island transport investment, including a $20 million upgrade on SH620 Tākaka Hill and a 66 percent funding rise for the Top of the South region.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson have classified the extreme wet and cold conditions in Southland and the Clutha District as a medium-scale adverse event, unlocking up to $50,000 in support for local Rural Support Trusts and tax relief for affected farmers. The ongoing harsh weather, linked to El Niño, has severely impacted farmers during critical periods like calving and lambing, prompting coordinated efforts by MPI, regional councils, and farming organizations to provide assistance. Farmers and growers are encouraged to seek help through various support services, including the Rural Support Trust and MPI, with multiple contact numbers provided for immediate aid.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced that southbound traffic on State Highway 1 between Papakura and Drury has shifted to a new motorway alignment and bridge, marking a major milestone in the project aimed at improving safety, resilience, and journey reliability. The project includes constructing five new bridges, widening the motorway, and future-proofing infrastructure against climate change, with completion expected by 2030 to provide three lanes each way, enhanced walking and cycling paths, and improved interchange facilities. These upgrades will support growth in South Auckland, strengthen freight and commuter connections, and incorporate features like wide shoulders for future bus services and comprehensive stormwater treatment.
New Zealand and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to enhance disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and resilience by sharing expertise and best practices, reflecting their shared commitment to support communities affected by disasters. Both countries face similar natural hazards and have a history of partnership, with Japan recognized for its advanced disaster management systems, providing a valuable opportunity for mutual learning. This agreement strengthens regional collaboration in the Asia-Pacific and aligns with New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency's broader international efforts alongside other countries.
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.
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.
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.
Over 240 young people aged 15 to 24 in Otago will participate in a 10-week Enterprise Accelerator programme to develop skills for work, business, and future opportunities through hands-on workshops and mentoring. Funded with $120,000 by the Government and delivered by The King’s Trust Aotearoa New Zealand, the initiative also connects participants to the He Kākano programme for seed funding and ongoing support. This investment aims to unlock youth potential by enhancing work-readiness, confidence, and creating pathways into employment, business, and self-employment.
The Hananui Aquaculture Project off Stewart Island, the first aquaculture venture approved through New Zealand's Fast-track process, is expected to produce 14,400 tonnes of salmon annually, generating over $310 million in sales and creating up to 480 jobs. This approval aligns with government efforts to support Māori commercial aquaculture and aims to boost the sector towards a $3 billion annual revenue target by 2035 through large-scale open-ocean farming. The Fast-track process, which has approved 31 projects so far, accelerates development timelines, supporting regional growth, job creation, and New Zealand’s leadership in sustainable seafood production.
The Haldon Solar Farm in Canterbury is New Zealand’s first solar project to receive fast-track approval, marking the 29th overall and 7th renewable energy project approved under this expedited process. Expected to generate 370 GWh annually, it will power approximately 45,000 homes and contribute significantly to the country’s renewable capacity, supporting regional economic growth and energy security. The fast-track system aims to accelerate investment in sustainable energy, with 29 projects approved, 18 expert panels appointed, and 60 projects currently progressing, reflecting the government’s commitment to abundant, affordable, and reliable power.