Articles tagged with Development
Fast-Track Approval Granted for Pound Road Industrial Land Development in Christchurch
4 days ago | 89 viewsThe Pound Road industrial land development in Christchurch, covering 60.4 hectares and providing up to 84 industrial lots, has received Fast-track approval, marking the 20th project approved under this process and the seventh in the South Island. This project is expected to contribute $451 million to the economy during construction and support long-term economic growth by accommodating light manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics, while providing infrastructure such as roads and three-waters services. The Fast-track process continues to facilitate significant regional developments, with 45 projects currently progressing and approvals granted under various acts to streamline growth and job creation.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Ngāi Tahu Property Development Holdings Pound Road Christchurch Infrastructure Minister Regional Development Minister Resource Management Act Wildlife ActGovernment Grants $150K to Mayoral Relief Funds for Lower North Island Flood Recovery
4 days ago | 115 viewsThe Government is contributing $150,000 to Mayoral Relief Funds to assist communities in the lower North Island affected by recent flooding, with $100,000 allocated to Wellington City and $50,000 to Ruapehu District Council. Minister Mark Mitchell emphasized the importance of this support for clean-up efforts and acknowledged the contributions of emergency responders and community members. These funds aim to quickly address immediate needs but do not replace insurance or other agency support.
Tags: Mark Mitchell Philip Sutton Wellington City Ruapehu District Mayoral Relief Funds Government Emergency Management Civil Defence Ministry of Social Development Ministry for Primary IndustriesParihaka Infrastructure Upgrades Complete to Preserve Historic Māori Site
4 days ago | 158 viewsMajor infrastructure upgrades at Parihaka in Taranaki, supported by $19.8 million in government funding and $8.5 million in community investment, have been completed to strengthen and protect this historically significant Māori site. The improvements to roads, water, lighting, and public amenities enhance flood resilience, reduce environmental risks, and enable future housing while honoring Parihaka’s legacy of non-violent resistance and Māori self-determination. These upgrades fulfill commitments under the Parihaka Deed of Reconciliation Agreement and support the community’s ongoing role as a symbol of peace, justice, and learning for future generations.
Tags: Parihaka Taranaki Shane Jones Tohu Kākahi Te Whiti o Rongomai Māori Crown Parihaka Papakāinga Trust Te Kawenata o Rongo Regional Development MinisterAustralia-New Zealand Finance Ministers Strengthen Economic Ties Amid Global Challenges
1 week ago | 133 viewsMinister of Finance Nicola Willis and Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers met to address regional fuel supply disruptions, economic outlook, and trans-Tasman integration amid global challenges. They committed to ongoing cooperation on fuel market conditions, financial system resilience, and targeted assistance to the Pacific, emphasizing practical, timely responses to minimize inflation and fiscal costs. The leaders also discussed enhancing economic growth through the Single Economic Market agenda and participated in business and commemorative events to strengthen bilateral ties.
Tags: Nicola Willis Jim Chalmers Minister of Finance Treasurer Australia New Zealand ANZLF World Bank Asian Development BankGovernment Grants $22 Million to Support New Zealand Regional Airlines and Connectivity
1 week ago | 172 viewsThree regional airlines—Air Chathams, Sounds Air, and Island Air—will receive loans from the $30 million Regional Infrastructure Fund to refinance debt, upgrade fleets, and maintain essential air services connecting remote communities. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Transport Minister James Meager emphasize the importance of these airlines for regional connectivity, economic wellbeing, and access to healthcare, especially amid pressures from rising fuel costs and global uncertainties. The government is also considering temporarily adjusting loan conditions to support airlines further and continues to assess additional funding applications.
Tags: Shane Jones James Meager Air Chathams Sounds Air Island Air Golden Bay Air Kānoa Regional Development Regional Infrastructure Fund New ZealandAshbourne Project in Waikato Approved for 518 Homes and Solar Farms
2 weeks ago | 150 viewsThe Ashbourne project in Waikato, approved through the Fast-track process, will deliver 518 new homes, a neighborhood center, open spaces with walking and cycling paths, two solar farms, and necessary water infrastructure. The project, submitted by Matamata Development Limited in February 2025, addresses housing demand in the rapidly growing Waikato region but excludes a retirement village and some residential areas on highly productive land due to environmental concerns. This approval marks the 19th Fast-track project, part of a broader initiative facilitating timely infrastructure and housing developments across New Zealand.
Tags: Chris Bishop Mikaela Bossley Clark Matamata Development Limited Ashbourne Waikato Arataki Drury Haldon Solar FarmFast-Tracked Waitaha Hydro Project to Boost West Coast Renewable Energy
2 weeks ago | 206 viewsA fast-tracked 23MW Waitaha Hydro project in the Waitaha Valley, supported by Westpower Limited and Poutini Ngāi Tahu, aims to generate renewable electricity for 12,000 homes and reduce CO₂ emissions by 129,000 tonnes annually, enhancing the West Coast’s energy resilience and lowering high electricity costs. The project, which took about 20 years to progress and received necessary approvals within five months under the Fast-track Approvals Act, is expected to create 71 full-time jobs during its $160-$200 million construction phase. This initiative also contributes to New Zealand’s broader energy system by managing dry-year hydro risks and supporting local economic development.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Maureen Pugh Westpower Limited Poutini Ngāi Tahu Waitaha Hydro Department of Conservation Infrastructure Minister Regional Development Minister New ZealandPort Nelson Marina Upgrade Boosts Marine Services with New Hardstand and Boat Hoist
2 weeks ago | 189 viewsThe opening of the new hardstand and 550-tonne mobile boat hoist at Port Nelson enhances the region’s marine servicing capacity by allowing larger vessels to be serviced separately from smaller ones. Funded by a $9.8 million Crown equity investment and contributions from local councils, the Calwell facility now supports vessels from 50 to 2400 tonnes and strengthens Nelson’s marine industry, preserving jobs and skills. Additionally, a $12.89 million loan will fund a neighbouring marina upgrade to increase hardstand capacity and install a 110-tonne hoist, with construction starting in May.
Tags: Shane Jones Port Nelson Calwell Marine Maintenance Nelson Marina Tasman District Council Nelson City Council Regional Development Minister Regional Infrastructure Fund marine servicing boat hoistNew Zealand Sees 5,580 More People Move from Benefits to Work by March 2026
2 weeks ago | 215 viewsMinister Louise Upston highlights that more New Zealanders moved from benefits into work over the year to March 2026, despite challenging economic conditions, with 5,580 more people exiting benefits compared to the previous year. The number of people receiving Jobseeker Support and working-age main benefits decreased significantly, reflecting the impact of the Government’s welfare reset and initiatives like the Traffic Light System and Kōrero Mahi seminars. These measures aim to make jobseekers more proactive and work-ready, providing practical support to help them secure sustainable employment.
Tags: Louise Upston Minister for Social Development and Employment New Zealand Jobseeker Support MSD Kōrero Mahi Traffic Light System welfare reset employment support main benefit$27.6M Government Fund to Rebuild Hawke’s Bay Marae After Cyclone Gabrielle
2 weeks ago | 267 viewsThe New Zealand Government has allocated $27.6 million through the Whenua Māori and Marae Pathway to relocate and rebuild two Hawke’s Bay marae, Petāne and Tangoio, in safer locations after severe damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. Both marae were assessed as Category 3, indicating unacceptable future risk from flooding and landslides, prompting the need for relocation to new sites at 253 Onehunga Road and 139 Beach Road, respectively. This investment aims to ensure the marae continue to support their communities, especially during emergencies, by strengthening resilience and providing certainty for future generations.
Tags: Tama Potaka Cyclone Gabrielle Petāne Marae Tangoio Marae Whenua Māori and Marae Pathway Hawke’s Bay Māori Development Māori Crown Relations National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Māori communitiesFast-Track Approval Granted for Ayrburn Screen Hub Film Village in Queenstown
3 weeks ago | 246 viewsFast-track approval has been granted for the Ayrburn Screen Hub, a 7,200m² film and television production village in Queenstown, expected to inject $280 million into the local economy and support around 370 local jobs annually. The expert panel assessed environmental, cultural, and infrastructural impacts, finding manageable landscape effects and significant regional environmental benefits, including improved water quality. This project is the second in Otago to gain fast-track approval, part of a broader initiative with numerous infrastructure and development projects progressing under the Fast-track Approvals Act.
Tags: Mr Bishop Waterfall Park Developments Limited Ayrburn Screen Hub Queenstown Otago Region New Zealand Mill Creek Lake Hayes Minister for InfrastructureTukituki Water Security Project Begins Pre-Construction in Hawkes Bay with $18M Loan
4 weeks ago | 274 viewsThe Tukituki Water Security Project in Hawkes Bay will begin pre-construction work supported by an $18.13 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to enhance water storage and security. The project aims to enable irrigation of up to 22,000 hectares, create 300 construction jobs, and boost the region’s annual GDP by up to $693 million by supporting horticulture, seed production, and pastoral farming. By storing 104 million cubic meters of water, the facility will address water scarcity in one of New Zealand’s driest regions, promoting long-term economic growth and resilience.
Tags: Mark Patterson Tukituki Water Security Project Hawkes Bay Regional Infrastructure Fund water storage irrigation economic development food production water security Tukituki Water Limited PartnershipHeather Simpson Appointed Deputy Chair of Antarctica New Zealand Board
1 month ago | 270 viewsForeign Minister Winston Peters has appointed Heather Simpson as Deputy Chair of Antarctica New Zealand, recognizing her extensive governance experience and strategic understanding of Antarctica's importance to New Zealand. Ms. Simpson, a board member since 2024, has contributed to supporting research, environmental stewardship, and oversight of the Scott Base Redevelopment Project. Her new role will involve assisting the Chair and Board in navigating a strategically and operationally challenging period, effective from April 1, 2026.
Tags: Winston Peters Heather Simpson Antarctica New Zealand Deputy Chair Scott Base Redevelopment Foreign Minister Board Member Governance Environmental Stewardship New ZealandNew Zealand Ends Greyhound Racing by 2026 to Ensure Animal Welfare and Support
1 month ago | 274 viewsRacing Minister Winston Peters has welcomed the passing of legislation to end greyhound racing in New Zealand, citing serious animal welfare concerns and overwhelming parliamentary support for the bill. The government will establish a transition agency to oversee the wind-down of the industry, support dog rehoming, and assist affected workers with retraining and wellbeing services. The ban will take effect from August 1, 2026, ensuring a responsible and compassionate phase-out aligned with global trends away from the sport.
Tags: Winston Peters Heather Simpson Murray Johnson Lindsay Burton New Zealand greyhound racing Racing Minister Ministerial Advisory Committee Ministry of Social Development ParliamentTemporary 30% Mileage Rate Boost for NZ Home and Community Support Workers
1 month ago | 327 viewsHome and community support workers in New Zealand will receive a temporary 30% increase in mileage rates, from 63.5 to 82.5 cents per kilometre, to help offset rising fuel costs caused by global conflicts. This increase, effective immediately and lasting up to 12 months or until petrol prices drop below $3 per litre for four consecutive weeks, applies to workers contracted to Health New Zealand, the Ministry of Social Development, and ACC. Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasized that this targeted support ensures the continuity of essential healthcare services for vulnerable New Zealanders by easing cost pressures on frontline workers.
Tags: Simeon Brown home and community support workers mileage rates fuel costs Health New Zealand Ministry of Social Development ACC essential healthcare services New Zealand frontline workers