Articles tagged with Infrastructure
Transforming New Zealand's Infrastructure: A Vision for Growth and Efficiency
5 days ago | 223 viewsThe speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to attend Building Nations 2025 and acknowledges the need for improved infrastructure policy in New Zealand. As the Infrastructure Minister, the speaker highlights challenges in delivering and maintaining infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of efficient systems for economic growth and living standards. Key priorities include developing a National Infrastructure Plan, improving funding and financing, addressing road pricing reform, enhancing the consenting framework, and strengthening asset management and resilience to ensure a prosperous future for New Zealand.
Tags: Nick Leggett Infrastructure New Zealand Minister New Zealand National Infrastructure Plan NIFFCo Infrastructure Commission Building Nations RUC Resource Management ActNew Papakura District Court Construction Begins: Speeding Up Justice Processes & Enhancing Infrastructure
6 days ago | 125 viewsConstruction begins on the new Papakura District Court, aiming to improve court processes and critical infrastructure, according to Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Courts Minister Nicole McKee. The project reflects a modern approach, with half the building being prefabricated off-site to enhance safety and efficiency while addressing demographic changes in South Auckland. The new courthouse, set to open in early 2027 with a $34m budget, will feature three courtrooms, two hearing rooms, and a dedicated suite for vulnerable witnesses, emphasizing the importance of timely access to justice and supporting victims within the justice system.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Nicole McKee Construction Papakura District Court Court processes Infrastructure Justice Law and order Prefabricated modules Vulnerable witnessesNorthland's Economic Future: Major Developments and Opportunities Unveiled
6 days ago | 150 viewsRail Minister Winston Peters and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones highlight significant developments in Northland's economic future, including Marsden Point's role as an energy and economic powerhouse. Projects such as a refurbished tank for supplying jet fuel to Auckland Airport and a commercial dry dock aim to boost job creation and international trade. Plans for a Regional Infrastructure Fund part-funded drydock at Northport and the potential use of special economic zones to attract investment demonstrate a focus on enhancing New Zealand's economic growth and resilience.
Tags: Northland Winston Peters Shane Jones Marsden Point New Zealand Channel Infrastructure Z Energy Auckland Airport KiwiRail SEZsBoosting Northland's Economic Relevance: New Rail Link, Dry Dock, and Special Economic Zones Announcement
6 days ago | 177 viewsThe address at Marsden Point highlighted plans for a new rail link, development of a dry dock, and potential for 'special economic zones' to boost Northland's economic relevance to New Zealand. The focus was on the importance of trade for New Zealand's economy, with discussions on the need for a second major port due to capacity constraints at existing ports like Tauranga and Auckland. The address also emphasized the significance of energy security, job creation, and export growth through initiatives like the Marsden Point Rail Link and the proposed Special Economic Zones legislation.
Tags: Shane Jones Northland New Zealand Marsden Point Channel Infrastructure Port of Tauranga Port of Auckland KiwiRail Special Economic Zones God’s own countryNew Zealand to Boost Economy and Jobs by Expanding Access to Conservation Areas
1 week ago | 315 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced plans to stimulate economic growth on a third of New Zealand's land, aiming to create jobs and boost wages nationwide. They highlighted issues with the current concessions regime for businesses operating on conservation land, proposing to reform the Conservation Act to streamline processes and introduce charges for foreign visitors at popular sites. The revenue generated from these charges, estimated at up to $62 million annually, will be reinvested in maintaining and enhancing conservation areas, while ensuring free access for New Zealanders.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Tama Potaka New Zealand Conservation Act Department of Conservation National Party Conference tourism agriculture infrastructure concessionsUnderstanding Council Spending: Impact on Rates & Communities | Local Government Minister Simon Watts
1 week ago | 286 viewsLocal Government Minister Simon Watts emphasizes the importance of councils' spending transparency and its impact on ratepayers. The government aims to empower ratepayers by providing clear data on council performance and spending, allowing for better engagement and accountability. Additionally, there is a focus on councils delivering essential services efficiently and supporting communities through a potential rates capping system to ensure responsible spending.
Tags: Key metrics councils spending rates Local Government Minister Simon Watts ratepayers infrastructure fiscal management local governmentHamilton & Waikato Councils Unveil Groundbreaking Multi-Council Water Services Plan
2 weeks ago | 287 viewsHamilton City and Waikato District Councils have collaborated on the first multi council water services delivery plan, aiming to benefit ratepayers by providing safe, reliable, and affordable drinking and wastewater services while keeping rate increases down. This joint effort, known as Local Water Done Well, ensures ongoing financial sustainability for 280,000 residents served by the combined organization, supporting infrastructure investment for growth and improved service quality over the next decade. Local Government Minister Simon Watts commends the councils for their proactive approach and encourages other councils to consider similar collaborative models to enhance community services.
Tags: Hamilton City Waikato District Councils water services Local Government Minister Simon Watts collaboration infrastructure ratepayers investment councilsNew Zealand's Fast-track Approvals System Boosts Economic Growth with Streamlined Project Processes
2 weeks ago | 342 viewsThe Fast-track Approvals system, established six months ago, aims to streamline project approvals in New Zealand for economic growth. The system allows for expedited processing of project applications through expert panels, with over 50 projects applying so far. Additional projects can be referred into the process, with decisions expected on key projects by the end of the year.
Tags: New Zealand RMA Reform Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop Regional Development Minister Shane Jones Expert Panels Panel Convenor Project referrals Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Artificial Intelligence Data Centre.Government-Funded Infrastructure Projects Worth $6 Billion Set to Boost Economy and Create Jobs Nationwide
3 weeks ago | 417 viewsBillions of dollars in government-funded infrastructure projects are set to begin in the next few months, creating thousands of jobs and driving economic activity nationwide. The projects include new roads, hospitals, schools, and government buildings, aimed at improving infrastructure quality to boost the economy and help with the cost of living. The Infrastructure for Growth work program has delivered on actions to strengthen the infrastructure pipeline, with future projects totaling $207 billion planned across various sectors.
Tags: Nicola Willis Chris Bishop infrastructure projects economic activity jobs roads hospitals schools construction government buildingsNew Zealand Government Establishes School Property Agency for Safe and Sustainable Learning Environments
3 weeks ago | 372 viewsThe Government is establishing the New Zealand School Property Agency to address issues in the school property system, including high costs, delays, and inefficiencies. The agency will be a separate entity responsible for planning, building, and maintaining school properties, allowing the Ministry of Education to focus on education policy. The new agency aims to improve project delivery, transparency, and value for money in managing the school property portfolio, with a dedicated board overseeing informed investment decisions.
Tags: Government School Property Agency Kiwi kids Education Minister Erica Stanford Ministry of Education New Zealand School Property Agency Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop Ministerial Advisory Group Murray McCully Mark BinnsAuckland Schools Receive $120M Investment for New Classrooms and Schools
3 weeks ago | 438 viewsThe Government is investing over $120 million to build 137 new classrooms in Auckland, creating space for 3,014 additional student places in schools facing growing rolls. The investment includes cost-effective repeatable designs and offsite manufactured buildings to maximize funding impact. Additional projects include establishing new schools in Pōkeno and Chapel Downs to accommodate future growth and ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for students in Auckland.
Tags: Erica Stanford Simeon Brown Auckland classrooms students schools education Budget 25 funding infrastructure constructionTransforming New Zealand's Planning System for Economic Growth: A Ministerial Address
3 weeks ago | 482 viewsThe speaker acknowledges the challenges faced by local government in New Zealand, particularly concerning restrictive planning rules, infrastructure funding, and coordination issues with central government. The focus is on the need for reform in the housing market and resource management, with a three-pillar approach to housing growth and significant changes planned for the replacement of the Resource Management Act. The government aims to simplify planning processes, reduce costs, and foster a culture of saying 'yes' to enable economic growth and development while safeguarding the environment.
Tags: Christchurch Sam Susan Simon Watts Local Government Housing Transport Infrastructure RMA Reform New ZealandersNew Zealand Fuel Security Plan: Ensuring Reliable Access to Fuel for Economic Resilience
3 weeks ago | 356 viewsThe Coalition Government is seeking feedback on a draft Fuel Security Plan to ensure reliable fuel access for New Zealanders during disruptions, focusing on improving resilience, infrastructure, low-carbon alternatives, and managing the transition to new energy technologies. Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones emphasizes the importance of fuel security for economic and national resilience, highlighting recent measures to boost reserves and improve storage locations. Public submissions on the plan are open from July 15 to August 25, with feedback accepted through the MBIE website.
Tags: Shane Jones Fuel Security Plan New Zealand Energy Minister Resilience Supply Chain Fuel Infrastructure Economic Wellbeing National ResilienceGovernment Bill Enhances Focus on Core Council Services for Better Value
3 weeks ago | 251 viewsThe Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill aims to refocus councils on core services like roading, infrastructure, water, and waste, addressing public frustration over rising rates and declining services. Minister Simon Watts emphasizes the need for discipline, transparency, and performance improvement to benefit ratepayers. The Bill includes reforms such as prioritizing core services in managing finances, introducing new financial performance measures, and enhancing transparency and accountability, with the goal of delivering better value for money and avoiding new taxes for local authorities.
Tags: Government councils core services infrastructure rates transparency accountability financial focus local government Simon WattsNew Cycle Bridge Boosts West Coast Wilderness Trail, Boosting Local Economy
1 month ago | 383 viewsA new cycle bridge on the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail will bring more visitors to the region and boost the local economy. “I’m thrilled to be supporting the construction of the Totara River Rail Bridge, ensuring visitors can once again ride this popular trail from start to finish,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. “The West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail is one of our Great Rides and attracts both international and domestic visitors alike, showcasing the stunning scenery of the West Coast.
Tags: Louise Upston West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail Totara River Rail Bridge Tourism Economy Infrastructure Ross Trail Investment Visitors