Articles tagged with Shane Jones
Te Waihekeora Reservoir: Boosting Horticulture & Jobs in Northland
1 day ago | 49 viewsThe completion of Te Waihekeora Reservoir in Northland, managed by Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust, will significantly boost horticulture and job opportunities in the region. The reservoir, opened by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones, will unlock over 1000ha of land for horticulture, with potential for expansion through the Kaipara pipeline. This water infrastructure project aims to enhance water security, support horticultural development, stimulate economic growth, and supply water to key local users, contributing to the region's economic prosperity and the government's goals for sustainable growth in food and fibre exports.
Tags: Horticulture job opportunities Northland Te Waihekeora Reservoir Christopher Luxon Shane Jones water infrastructure horticultural development economic growthNew Zealand Revives Gas Exploration with Open Market Applications
1 day ago | 73 viewsPetroleum operators in New Zealand can now apply for new prospecting and exploration permits beyond Taranaki to boost gas reserves, thanks to a new open market application pathway introduced alongside the Block Offer competitive tender process. The exploration ban in 2018 had a negative impact on the gas sector, hindering investment and exploration efforts, leading to energy security concerns. To revitalize exploration activity, the government is focusing on streamlining permit processes and offering co-investment opportunities in new gas fields, while also introducing a new Tier 3 permit category for hobby miners to encourage small-scale gold mining across the country.
Tags: Shane Jones Petroleum operators Exploration permits Gas reserves Block Offer New Zealand Energy security Budget 2025 Hobby miners Regulatory scrutinyNew Zealand Boosts Energy Resilience with Locally Sourced Coal Supply Deal
4 days ago | 143 viewsNew Zealand's Resources Minister Shane Jones praises the reintroduction of domestically sourced coal as a backup fuel for electricity generation, citing benefits for energy resilience and the Waikato regional economy. Genesis Energy's agreement with BT Mining to supply 240,000 tonnes of locally sourced coal to the Huntly Power Station diversifies fuel supply and reduces reliance on imported coal due to tightening gas supply. Mr. Jones emphasizes the importance of sourcing coal locally to safeguard against global disruptions, strengthen the fuel supply chain, and provide economic benefits for the Waikato region.
Tags: Shane Jones New Zealand Energy resilience Waikato Genesis Energy Huntly Power Station Coal Electricity generation Resources Minister BT MiningFirst Fast-track Housing Development Approved in Nelson: Maitahi Village Project
1 week ago | 94 viewsInfrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones are pleased with the approval of the Maitahi Village housing development in Nelson under the Fast-track Approvals Act. The project, expected to deliver 180 homes and various amenities, represents a significant investment in Nelson's future. Minister Jones is focused on expediting regional projects and legislative changes to streamline the approval process for infrastructure developments.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Maitahi Village housing development Nelson infrastructure Ngāti Koata regional development expert panelProtecting Hoiho Population: NZ Implements Emergency Fishery Closure
1 week ago | 104 viewsThe Government is implementing a temporary emergency fishery closure around the Otago Peninsula to protect the hoiho population in mainland New Zealand. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones will conduct public consultation on permanent measures to address hoiho bycatch in the area. The consultation will include proposals such as extending the set net ban and implementing an escalating response framework to reduce hoiho bycatch towards zero.
Tags: Shane Jones Hoiho Fisheries New Zealand Oceans Closure Bycatch Set net ban Public consultation Emergency fishery closureCommunity Partnership Boosts Local Economy with New Accommodation in Buller
1 week ago | 189 viewsRegional Development Minister Shane Jones praised the collaborative effort between Buller District Council, Development West Coast, and Endura in building 10 new units at Reefton Campground using local labor and businesses. The project aims to enhance accommodation options for both locals and tourists. The initiative not only provided employment for 50 local workers but also boosted the local economy, with Endura leasing the units initially for its staff before repurposing them for visitor accommodation.
Tags: Shane Jones Buller accommodation local labour local procurement local businesses Reefton Campground Development West Coast Endura tourism industrySeafood Sustainability & Innovation Awards 2025: Winners Drive Marine Conservation & Market Growth
2 weeks ago | 120 viewsThe Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards recognized projects like re-seeding juvenile pāua and driving mussel farming innovation. Professor Kura Paul-Burke of the University of Waikato was celebrated for championing healthy oceans through community-based restoration efforts. Other winners included individuals and organizations contributing to sustainable practices and innovation in the seafood sector.
Tags: Seafood Sustainability Innovation Awards Shane Jones Māori knowledge marine science aquaculture industry John Young Clearwater Mussels Oceans and FisheriesBreaking Ground: New Zealand's First Supercritical Geothermal Exploration at Rotokawa Reservoir
2 weeks ago | 166 viewsThe Rotokawa Geothermal Reservoir in New Zealand's Taupō Volcanic Zone has been chosen for the country's first supercritical geothermal exploration, with plans to develop multiple wells for enhanced power output. The site selection followed thorough geological studies and risk assessments, with a focus on involving the local community and cultural considerations. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between stakeholders to explore the potential of supercritical geothermal energy, with a multi-disciplinary team working on regulatory approvals, design, and drilling for the project's success.
Tags: Shane Jones Rotokawa Geothermal Reservoir New Zealand geothermal energy Tauhara North No. 2 Trust Earth Sciences New Zealand supercritical geothermal exploration Regional Development Minister Mercury NZ Ministry of Business.Groundbreaking Geothermal Project Receives $10M Funding from Government
3 weeks ago | 191 viewsThe Government is supporting 19 ambitious science programs, including the DeepHeat project by the New Zealand Institute for Earth Science Limited, which aims to explore the energy potential of the Central Taupo Volcanic Zone using supercritical geothermal energy. This project, funded with $10 million from the Endeavour Fund, is seen as groundbreaking and essential for New Zealand's future prosperity, as geothermal energy offers a reliable alternative to weather-dependent renewable sources like hydro, solar, and wind. The Government's investment of over $183 million in various projects, from climate technology to healthcare and clean energy, demonstrates the power of science to drive innovation, economic growth, and a more resilient future.
Tags: Shane Reti Shane Jones geothermal energy supercritical geothermal DeepHeat project New Zealand Endeavour Fund Regional Infrastructure Fund climate technologyNew Bill Boosts Aquaculture Growth Potential, Eases Regulatory Burden
3 weeks ago | 177 viewsA bill protecting marine farmers from costly consent reviews was passed, aiming to support the aquaculture industry's goal of generating $3 billion in revenue by 2035. The Resource Management Act amendments restrict council reviews of coastal permits until 2030, reducing bureaucratic barriers for industry growth. These changes aim to allow marine farmers to focus on innovation and growth rather than dealing with regulatory red tape and costs.
Tags: Shane Jones aquaculture industry marine farmers Resource Management Act regulatory environment Coalition Government consent reviews marine farm consent conditions coastal permits red tapeRegional Infrastructure Fund Boosts Horticulture Expansion in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti
4 weeks ago | 265 viewsThe Regional Infrastructure Fund is providing $24.62 million to boost horticulture expansion in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti through water storage, flood resilience, and Māori land projects, aiming to enhance regional economies, employment, and export growth while improving resilience to economic shocks and extreme weather events. Specific projects include establishing high-value horticulture on Māori land in Tairāwhiti, expanding water storage capacity in Hawke’s Bay, replenishing the Makauri aquifer in Tairāwhiti, and developing water storage infrastructure for pipfruit orchards. These investments aim to strengthen regional resilience and productivity, with a focus on supporting the regions' economic growth and success.
Tags: Shane Jones Regional Infrastructure Fund Hawke’s Bay Tairāwhiti water storage horticulture expansion whenua Māori projects Regional Development Minister Makauri Aquifer Recharge Limited Ngāti Pahauwera Commercial Development LimitedPort of Auckland Wharf Expansion Fast-tracked for Economic Growth
1 month ago | 212 viewsInfrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones are pleased that the first Fast-track project, the Port of Auckland wharf expansion, has received approval under the Fast-track Approvals Act. The project includes a new wharf, berth extension, cruise terminal, and other upgrades, with construction set to start next month to create jobs and boost the economy. The Act streamlines the approval process for projects, with expert panels assessing applications and attaching necessary conditions, aiming to drive economic growth and efficiency in critical sectors like Auckland's port infrastructure.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones infrastructure New Zealand economy Environmental Protection Authority Auckland economy legislation expert panel project approvalProposals to Enhance Northland's Rock Lobster Fishery: Feedback Needed
1 month ago | 238 viewsFeedback is being sought on proposals to cut the rock lobster catch on Northland’s east coast to aid fishery recovery, as stated by Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones. The proposals aim to increase the abundance and size of rock lobster in the area through potential area closures and reduced recreational daily limits. The consultation period for these proposals runs until 22 September 2025, with details on how to submit feedback available on MPI’s website.
Tags: Shane Jones Northland rock lobster fishery marine ecosystem proposals consultation MPI kina barrens submissionMarlborough Sounds Blue Cod Seasonal Closure Extended for Sustainability
1 month ago | 211 viewsOceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced an extended seasonal closure for blue cod in the Marlborough Sounds, aiming to reduce fishing pressure and support sustainability. Commercial catch limits for the fish stock were reduced in 2022 due to concerns about high fishing pressure impacting the fishery. An advisory group has been established to provide expertise on improving the health of the blue cod population, with further exploration of factors affecting the fishery planned for the future.
Tags: Shane Jones Marlborough Sounds blue cod fishery sustainability closure fishing pressure advisory group commercial catch limits spawningMajor Fisheries Reforms for Sustainable Growth: Minister Shane Jones Unveils Game-Changing Changes
1 month ago | 522 viewsThe Government is implementing significant fisheries reforms to support sustainable growth in the fishing industry, aiming to remove obstacles and enhance decision-making for setting catch limits. The reforms include more responsive rules based on changes in fish abundance, improved privacy protection for fishers through changes in the onboard camera program, and practical guidelines for landing or discarding catch. These changes align with the goal of fostering a thriving and sustainable fishing industry, with an amendment Bill to be introduced for further feedback through the select committee process.
Tags: Shane Jones Fisheries Act reforms sustainable growth fishing industry catch limits fisheries management onboard cameras Official Information Act MPI.