Articles tagged with Regional Infrastructure Fund
Major $18M Flood Resilience Upgrade Underway in Mataura to Protect Southland Communities
2 days ago | 100 viewsWork has begun on a major $18 million flood resilience upgrade for the Mataura River in Southland, supported by a $10.8 million government loan and $7.2 million from Environment Southland, aiming to protect over 7,000 people, 1,500 hectares of land, and key infrastructure. The project includes building and strengthening stopbanks, rock walls, and riverbed gravel works to reduce flood risks to Mataura and Gore, areas historically affected by severe flooding. Since the launch of the Regional Infrastructure Fund, $18.5 million has been allocated to Southland for five flood resilience projects to safeguard communities and boost regional prosperity.
Tags: Mark Patterson Mataura River Regional Infrastructure Fund Environment Southland Mataura Gore Ōreti River Aparima Catchment Te Anau Basin InvercargillGovernment Grants $22 Million to Support New Zealand Regional Airlines and Connectivity
2 weeks ago | 211 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 ZealandPort Nelson Marina Upgrade Boosts Marine Services with New Hardstand and Boat Hoist
3 weeks ago | 219 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 hoistTukituki Water Security Project Begins Pre-Construction in Hawkes Bay with $18M Loan
1 month ago | 313 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 PartnershipNew Zealand Boosts Diesel Storage by 90 Million Litres at Marsden Point
1 month ago | 411 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 supplies$1.35M Upgrade Boosts Water Infrastructure at Mystery Creek for Fieldays
1 month ago | 268 viewsMystery Creek near Hamilton is upgrading its over-50-year-old water infrastructure with a $1.35 million Regional Infrastructure Fund loan to increase water storage and support growing visitor numbers. The site hosts National Fieldays, attracting over 110,000 visitors and generating significant economic impact, as well as more than 100 other events annually, and serves as a critical Civil Defence logistics hub. The project includes replacing the water network, installing a 600,000-litre tank, creating up to seven jobs, and aims to enhance safety, accessibility, and resilience ahead of this year’s Fieldays.
Tags: Mystery Creek Hamilton Shane Jones Mark Patterson Regional Infrastructure Fund National Fieldays Waikato New Zealand water infrastructure Civil DefenceHamilton Airport Runway Extension Boosted by $6.5M Loan for Growth and Resilience
1 month ago | 695 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 | 421 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 sectorGovernment Allocates $50M for New Geothermal Projects to Boost Regional Growth
1 month ago | 321 viewsThe New Zealand Government has ringfenced $50 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support early-stage geothermal projects, aiming to de-risk exploration and boost regional productivity and resilience. So far, three projects have received funding, including two $10 million loans for the Taumanu and Kopura geothermal projects and a $3 million grant for the Whakatāne Geothermal Temperature Gradient Well Programme. These initiatives are expected to create jobs, promote Māori economic development, and enhance renewable energy capacity through exploration and potential new geothermal power stations.
Tags: Shane Jones Taumanu Kopura Eastland Generation Māori University of Auckland Geothermal Institute Whakatāne Regional Infrastructure Fund Bay of PlentyGolden Bay Air Secures $1.1M Loan to Support Vital Regional Flights
2 months ago | 427 viewsGolden Bay Air will be the first airline to receive a $1.1 million loan from the $30 million Regional Infrastructure Fund to refinance aircraft debt and maintain essential regional flights. This support aims to ensure connectivity, economic resilience, and access to health care and tourism for isolated communities like Golden Bay. Additionally, the fund includes initiatives to help regional airlines integrate bookings with larger carriers, enhancing commercial sustainability and travel accessibility.
Tags: Golden Bay Air James Meager Maureen Pugh Regional Infrastructure Fund Kānoa Coalition Government Tākaka Heaphy Track Abel Tasman TrackGovernment Invests $2M in Central Otago’s Falls Dam Replacement Pre-Construction
2 months ago | 484 viewsThe Government is providing a $2 million loan through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support pre-construction work on replacing the aging Falls Dam near St Bathans, vital for irrigating 8,000 hectares of Central Otago farmland. The funding will help Manuherikia River Limited assess regulatory, engineering, and financial aspects to ensure a secure and sustainable water supply for horticulture, viticulture, and farming. This project aims to enhance the region’s economic and climate resilience by delivering reliable irrigation and supporting higher-value land uses, with pre-construction expected to take about two years.
Tags: Mark Patterson Falls Dam Central Otago Manuherikia River Limited Regional Infrastructure Fund irrigation horticulture viticulture sheep farming water infrastructureNew Zealand Invests $80M in Critical Minerals to Boost Regional Growth and Jobs
2 months ago | 414 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 EarthsNew Zealand's 30-Year National Infrastructure Plan Unveiled by Minister Bishop
2 months ago | 508 viewsInfrastructure Minister Chris Bishop introduced the National Infrastructure Plan in Parliament, emphasizing its role in enhancing New Zealand’s prosperity through improved planning, funding, and maintenance of infrastructure over the next 30 years. The Plan acknowledges existing challenges such as inefficiencies and fragmented asset management despite high infrastructure spending, and outlines ten priority actions including hospital investment, water renewals, transport project sequencing, flood resilience, and legislative reforms. The Government has begun implementing many of these priorities and will respond to the Plan’s recommendations by June 2026, seeking cross-party engagement to build durable consensus for future infrastructure development.
Tags: Chris Bishop National Infrastructure Plan New Zealand Infrastructure Commission National Party Infrastructure Minister Health New Zealand Auckland Council Regional Infrastructure Fund Resource Management Act City Rail Link$1.26M Grant Brings Solar Power to Kaitaia Marae and Kura for Energy Security
3 months ago | 487 viewsA grant of up to $1.26 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will support the Whiti Mai Te Rā project, installing solar panels, batteries, and a diesel generator at a kura and five marae north of Kaitaia to provide reliable, affordable electricity and enhance energy security. The initiative, led by the Aupouri Ngāti Kahu Te Rarawa Trust in partnership with Kaumātua Energy, aims to save over $100,000 annually in energy costs and strengthen community resilience during emergencies. Installation will begin in March 2026, ensuring these vital community hubs can serve as stable civil defence centers for generations to come.
Tags: Tama Potaka Aupouri Ngāti Kahu Te Rarawa Trust Kaumātua Energy Whiti Mai Te Rā Te Rangi Āniwaniwa Kura Māori Development Minister Regional Infrastructure Fund Northland Far North New Zealand ANT TrustGovernment Invests $4M for Bisset Road Social Housing Infrastructure in Kaikohe
3 months ago | 493 viewsThe Government is investing $4 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support essential infrastructure for the Bisset Road social housing project in Kaikohe, which will provide up to 100 affordable rental homes with rents capped at 80 percent of market rates for 25 years. The project, led by Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi Limited, aims to create local jobs, apprenticeships, and strengthen regional supply chains by using local timber and contractors. Additional funding includes a $29.7 million grant from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and a $13.6 million loan from Community Finance, with infrastructure work underway and the entire development expected to finish by 2027.
Tags: Shane Jones Tama Potaka Ngāpuhi Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi Te Runanga a Iwi o Ngāpuhi Regional Infrastructure Fund Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Community Finance Kaikohe Bisset Road