Articles tagged with Shane Jones
Northland Closes East Coast to Rock Lobster Fishing to Boost Stocks from 2026
6 days ago | 86 viewsNorthland’s east coast spiny rock lobster fishery will be largely closed to both commercial and recreational fishing, with reduced recreational daily limits, to help restore lobster stocks and maintain marine ecosystem balance. These measures, including extended closures from Ohao Point to Cape Rodney and a nationwide limit on packhorse lobster catches, follow a voluntary commercial closure and aim to prevent fishers from shifting pressure to other species. After public consultation with over 600 submissions, the new regulations will take effect from April 1, 2026.
Tags: Shane Jones Northland Oceans and Fisheries Minister spiny rock lobster rock lobster fishery recreational fishing commercial fishing Hauraki Gulf CRA 1 CRA 2Auckland's Kings Quarry Expansion Approved for Long-Term Fast-Track Growth
1 week ago | 85 viewsKings Quarry Limited has received Fast-track approval to expand its quarry operations in Auckland, allowing extraction of up to 500,000 tonnes per year for up to 100 years. The project aims to supply local aggregate materials for major infrastructure, reducing transport costs, emissions, and heavy traffic while providing long-term regional employment. Fast-track approval streamlines the consent process, avoiding lengthy and costly procedures, and is part of a broader initiative with 25 projects now referred to this expedited process.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Kings Quarry Auckland quarrying infrastructure New Zealand mining housingWaihi North Mining Project Approved to Expand Operations Until 2043
1 week ago | 92 viewsThe Waihi North mining project has received fast-track consent to expand operations until 2043, significantly boosting New Zealand’s economy with an estimated $5.2 billion in silver and gold exports and supporting around 800 jobs. The expedited approval process took 112 working days, compared to the usual five years, and is expected to generate $422 million in Crown revenue for public services. Oceana Gold’s application includes new open pit and underground mines, extending mining beyond the original 2030 expiry and highlighting the Fast-track process’s role in accelerating major infrastructure projects.
Tags: Waihi North Chris Bishop Shane Jones Oceana Gold Waikato New Zealand Hauraki District mining project silver and gold exports$200M Gas Security Fund Opens Jan 12, 2026 to Boost NZ Natural Gas Supply
1 week ago | 89 viewsThe $200 million Gas Security Fund, opening on 12 January 2026, aims to increase natural gas availability in New Zealand by supporting projects that accelerate supply or enable storage for critical demand periods. Declining gas production is raising costs and hindering economic growth, making natural gas essential during the transition to renewable energy sources. A new gas advisory panel will provide expert guidance to ministers, ensuring informed decisions amid the complexities of gas exploration and market conditions.
Tags: Shane Jones Chris Bishop Gas Security Fund New Zealand natural gas Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Kānoa Grow Regions gas exploration energy transitionHawke’s Bay Racecourse Transformation to Create 600 Homes and Boost Jobs
1 week ago | 86 viewsThe Government is investing over $77 million to relocate the Hastings Racecourse in Hawke’s Bay, freeing up prime land for more than 600 new homes and boosting local housing availability. The new state-of-the-art racecourse will support the racing industry’s $37 million annual economic contribution, create around 270 ongoing jobs, and provide a civil defence centre for the Flaxmere community. During its four-year construction, the project will generate over 400 full-time jobs, supporting regional economic growth while preserving over 150 years of racing heritage.
Tags: Winston Peters Shane Jones Hawke’s Bay Hastings Hawke’s Bay Racing Incorporated New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Incorporated Hastings Racecourse Regional Infrastructure Fund Flaxmere thoroughbred racingKermadec Arc Mineral Reservation Extended Two Years to Protect Marine Ecosystems
1 week ago | 114 viewsThe Kermadec Arc north of New Zealand will remain under a two-year reservation, continuing restrictions on mineral permitting to protect its unique marine ecosystems and potential critical mineral deposits. Established under the Crown Minerals Act 1991, the reservation covers 412,690 km² and aims to support informed, strategic management aligned with New Zealand’s Minerals Strategy to 2040. The extension, effective from January 2026 to January 2028, allows time for improved research and data collection before future decisions on mineral development are made.
Tags: Kermadec Arc New Zealand Shane Jones mineral permitting Crown Minerals Act Kermadec Ridge copper zinc gold Minerals Strategy 2040Government Seeks Feedback on Proposed Changes to NZ Rock Lobster Fisheries
1 week ago | 90 viewsThe Government is seeking feedback on proposed changes to rock lobster fisheries in New Zealand’s CRA 3 and CRA 7 regions as part of its fisheries sustainability review. CRA 7 is healthy and may support increased commercial harvest, while CRA 3 is under pressure, prompting recent catch reductions and further recovery proposals. These proposals were developed with input from various fishing sectors, and consultation on Southern blue whiting stocks will begin soon, with submission details available on MPI’s website.
Tags: Shane Jones New Zealand rock lobster CRA 3 CRA 7 fisheries sustainability National Rock Lobster Advisory Group Southern blue whiting MPI East CapeKaikōura Waterfront Redevelopment Boosts Tourism and Local Economy
1 week ago | 126 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
2 weeks ago | 97 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 statementOtago Peninsula Fishery Closure Extended to Protect Endangered Yellow-Eyed Penguins
2 weeks ago | 141 viewsAn emergency fishery closure around Otago Peninsula to protect the threatened northern hoiho population has been extended until 16 September 2026 to allow careful review of longer-term measures. The closure bans set-net fishing within eight nautical miles of the peninsula to reduce penguin bycatch, while consultations on future measures remain open until 12 December 2025. Delays caused by legal challenges have hindered progress, but officials aim to finalize longer-term protections early in 2026 to balance conservation efforts with the interests of local fishers.
Tags: Otago Peninsula hoiho Shane Jones emergency fishery closure Rakiura Stewart Island MPI fisheries bycatchNew Zealand Fish Stocks Are 87% Sustainable, Fisheries Minister Confirms
2 weeks ago | 111 viewsA recent report shows that 87.2% of New Zealand’s 149 scientifically evaluated fish stocks are sustainable, with plans to restore the 19 stocks needing support. The country’s fisheries are recognized globally for sustainability, supported by a quota management system and ongoing reforms to enhance responsive fisheries management. The seafood sector employs around 9,000 people and generates approximately $1.5 billion in exports annually, contributing significantly to New Zealand’s economy and food supply.
Tags: Shane Jones New Zealand Fisheries New Zealand fish stocks sustainability United Nations seafood sector quota management system fisheries reforms MPITasman's Port Tarakohe Upgrade Boosts Economy, Aquaculture & Regional Resilience
3 weeks ago | 116 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 Minister38 New Appointments Strengthen New Zealand’s 12 Community Trusts
3 weeks ago | 130 viewsAssociate Finance Minister Shane Jones announced 38 appointments and reappointments to New Zealand's 12 community trusts, which collectively manage over $3.5 billion in investments and grant around $100 million annually to local organizations. The appointees bring diverse expertise across sectors such as education, healthcare, governance, and environmental protection, supporting the trusts' role in building strong, empowered communities nationwide. These trusts, governed by the Community Trusts Act 1999, serve their regions by managing investments and distributing grants for charitable and community development purposes, with terms lasting up to four years.
Tags: Shane Jones Tevita Funaki Philip Crump Aryana Nafissi Martin Cleave Natalie Bridges Robert Dol Stu Husband Deserae Frisk Rangimahora Reddy$1.6M Grant Boosts Solar Power and Energy Security for Horeke Community
4 weeks ago | 135 viewsA $1.6 million grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will support a new solar project to strengthen electricity supply for the remote Māori community of Horeke in Northland, benefiting around 100 households, five marae, and one school. The upgrade will address frequent power outages, reduce reliance on diesel and gas, and enable economic growth through eco and cultural tourism. The grant, provided to the Utakura 7 Incorporation trust, will fund construction and network improvements to enhance energy security and support essential services, especially during extreme weather events.
Tags: Shane Jones Hokianga Horeke Utakura 7 Incorporation Regional Infrastructure Fund Northland Māori community solar project energy security eco tourismNew Zealand Joins Global Minerals Security Partnership to Boost Critical Minerals Sector
4 weeks ago | 141 viewsNew Zealand has joined the international Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) to attract investment and support its Minerals Strategy, which aims to double mineral export value by 2035 and enhance sustainable global supply chains. The partnership aligns with New Zealand’s strengths in critical minerals essential for modern technologies and will help create high-paying jobs while strengthening international relationships. Several countries have benefited from MSP membership through financing commitments, and New Zealand expects similar opportunities to develop its critical minerals sector.
Tags: New Zealand Minerals Security Partnership Shane Jones Winston Peters critical minerals Minerals Strategy renewable energy international supply chains clean energy technologies minerals exports