Articles tagged with Regional Development
Fast-Tracked Waitaha Hydro Project to Boost West Coast Renewable Energy
4 days ago | 113 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
4 days ago | 84 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 Boosts Diesel Storage by 90 Million Litres at Marsden Point
2 weeks ago | 270 viewsThe New Zealand Government will invest up to $21.6 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support Channel Infrastructure NZ Ltd in increasing diesel storage capacity by 90 million litres at Marsden Point, enhancing fuel resilience amid global supply disruptions. The project aims to recommission storage tanks within two months to secure diesel supplies beyond the current secure period until the end of May. This initiative addresses the critical need for large-scale fuel storage, particularly for diesel, which is vital to the economy, and work is set to begin imminently with close government oversight.
Tags: Shane Jones Channel Infrastructure Marsden Point Regional Infrastructure Fund New Zealand Government diesel storage fuel resilience Regional Development Minister Middle East conflict New Zealand fuel suppliesHamilton Airport Runway Extension Boosted by $6.5M Loan for Growth and Resilience
3 weeks ago | 605 viewsHamilton Airport will receive a $6.5 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to extend its runway by 255 meters, enhancing its capacity and resilience as a key hub for domestic and international freight and passenger transport. The upgrade, including apron expansion and lighting improvements, supports Waikato’s major manufacturers and exporters and provides an alternative airport option during disruptions at other North Island airports. The project, led by Waikato Regional Airport Ltd with a $3.3 million contribution, is expected to create up to 39 local jobs and strengthen New Zealand’s national aviation network.
Tags: Hamilton Airport runway extension Regional Infrastructure Fund Shane Jones Waikato national aviation network Regional Development Minister Waikato Regional Airport Ltd Coalition Government airport construction jobsMasterton’s Hood Aerodrome Upgraded with $10M Grant to Boost Safety and Economy
1 month ago | 307 viewsMasterton’s Hood Aerodrome has undergone significant upgrades, including runway improvements, new hangar sites, and enhanced infrastructure, funded by a $10 million government grant and additional local co-funding. These enhancements improve safety, meet Civil Aviation Authority certification, and support a range of aviation activities, boosting the region’s economic development and tourism potential. Additionally, $954,000 from the Regional Infrastructure Fund was used to strengthen flood protection and erosion control around the aerodrome, contributing to broader regional resilience efforts.
Tags: Mark Patterson Hood Aerodrome Masterton Wairarapa Associate Regional Development Minister Masterton District Council Civil Aviation Authority Regional Infrastructure Fund government grant aviation sectorNew Zealand Invests $80M in Critical Minerals to Boost Regional Growth and Jobs
2 months ago | 327 viewsThe New Zealand Government has allocated $80 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to develop and process domestic critical minerals, aiming to boost jobs, investment, and regional economic recovery. Critical minerals are vital for modern technologies and global supply chains, and New Zealand seeks to position itself as a reliable source while fostering advanced processing and international partnerships. The funding supports projects aligned with the Minerals Strategy, with applications accepted and successful initiatives to be announced after evaluation.
Tags: Winston Peters Shane Jones Regional Infrastructure Fund Critical Minerals Minerals Strategy New Zealand Government Regional Development Economic Recovery Supply Chain Rare EarthsSouth Taranaki Green Hydrogen Facility Begins Construction with $19.9M Funding
2 months ago | 412 viewsConstruction has begun on a sustainable green hydrogen facility in South Taranaki, supported by a $19.9 million government investment and additional co-funding, with a total project cost of up to $112.3 million. The facility will supply renewable electricity to Ballance Agri-Nutrients' Kapuni site and produce green hydrogen for emissions-free transport, creating around 50 construction jobs and seven permanent roles. This project, a partnership between multiple organizations, aims to boost the regional economy by integrating wind energy, renewable electricity, and zero-carbon hydrogen fuel production at scale.
Tags: Shane Jones Hiringa Energy Parininihi ki Waitōtara Todd Regional Development Minister Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Provincial Growth Fund South Taranaki New ZealandNew Zealand Invests $35M in OpenStar Fusion Energy Breakthrough Project
2 months ago | 422 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing up to $35 million through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support OpenStar Technologies in developing a specialised fusion energy research facility. OpenStar is pursuing a unique fusion design with potential advantages in stability, cost, and scalability, aiming to position New Zealand as a leader in this emerging, carbon-free energy technology. This investment aims to boost innovation, attract international funding, create high-value jobs, and generate potential benefits for sectors like aerospace and medical technology.
Tags: Shane Jones Ratu Mataira Ernest Rutherford OpenStar Technologies New Zealand Regional Infrastructure Fund fusion energy Government Regional Development Minister fusion researchNelson Marina Expansion Secures $12.89M Loan to Boost Economy and Jobs
2 months ago | 428 viewsNelson 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.
Tags: Nelson marina expansion Shane Jones Regional Development Minister Nelson Marina Management Ltd Regional Infrastructure Fund marine services economic growth blue economy marine engineeringNelson Marina Expansion Secures $12.89M Loan to Boost Economy and Jobs
2 months ago | 425 viewsNelson’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.
Tags: Nelson marina expansion Shane Jones Regional Development Minister Nelson Marina Management Ltd Regional Infrastructure Fund marine services economic growth blue economy marine engineeringWairoa Airport to Get $4.2M Upgrade Boosting Runway and Emergency Services
2 months ago | 528 viewsWairoa 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.
Tags: Wairoa Airport Shane Jones New Zealand Air Ambulance Service Hawke’s Bay Airport Cyclone Gabrielle Wairoa District Council Regional Development Minister Regional Infrastructure Fund North Island Weather Event fund Wairoa communitySouthland’s $13.6M Industrial Hub Boosts Gore Economy and Creates Jobs
3 months ago | 1063 viewsThe Government is providing a $3.1 million loan to support a $13.6 million industrial subdivision near Gore, a joint venture between Ngāi Tahu’s Hokonui Rūnanga and Robertson Transport Limited, addressing the shortage of large industrial lots in the area. The 43-hectare project, located on State Highway 1, will create up to 50 construction jobs and attract various industries while generating sustainable income for Hokonui Rūnanga to fund community services. This development is the first phase of a 90-hectare master plan aimed at diversifying Southland’s economy and includes future plans for marae relocation, housing, and childcare facilities.
Tags: Mark Patterson Hokonui Rūnanga Ngāi Tahu Robertson Transport Limited Southland Gore District Regional Infrastructure Fund Associate Minister for Regional Development New Zealand Eastern SouthlandKaikōura Waterfront Redevelopment Boosts Tourism and Local Economy
4 months ago | 624 viewsThe completion of Kaikōura’s waterfront redevelopment, including the Wakatu Quay precinct, marks a significant milestone in revitalizing the region’s economy and tourism after the 2016 earthquake. The project features a new marine-inspired building for tourism, hospitality, and cultural events, supported by over $10 million in funding and a partnership between government, local council, iwi, and stakeholders. Constructed within a year by mostly local workers, the redevelopment enhances Kaikōura’s appeal as a destination and is expected to stimulate further private sector growth.
Tags: Kaikōura Shane Jones Wakatu Quay Kaikoura earthquake Regional Development Minister Provincial Growth Fund Kaikoura District Council tourism waterfront redevelopment South IslandFast-Track Approvals Amendment Bill Passed to Boost Economy and Grocery Competition
4 months ago | 448 viewsThe Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill has been passed to streamline and expedite the approval process for important projects, particularly benefiting supermarket competition and regional development. The amendments aim to reduce consent processing times by over six weeks, making it easier for new supermarkets to open and boosting economic growth. Ministers emphasize that these changes will promote affordability, regional prosperity, and faster project delivery by addressing previous inefficiencies and red tape.
Tags: Nicola Willis Chris Bishop Shane Jones economic growth supermarket competition resource consent grocery affordability regional development government policy statementTasman's Port Tarakohe Upgrade Boosts Economy, Aquaculture & Regional Resilience
4 months ago | 425 viewsThe $12.7 million upgrade of Port Tarakohe in Tasman District has transformed it into the region's only all-tide, all-weather, deep-water port, enhancing economic development and resilience. The improvements, including new wharves and facilities, support the growing aquaculture industry, marine tourism, and provide a crucial alternative route during highway closures. Funded jointly by the government and Tasman District Council, the project is expected to unlock nearly a billion dollars in value over 25 years and ensure vital access to Golden Bay during emergencies.
Tags: Shane Jones Jenny Marcroft Port Tarakohe Tasman District Golden Bay aquaculture infrastructure upgrade Provincial Growth Fund mussel farming Regional Development Minister