Articles tagged with Development

Showing 15 of 192 articles

$640K Loan Boosts Stewart Island Air Connectivity and Regional Services

07 Sep 2026 | 1 day ago | 56 views

A $640,000 loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund has been granted to South East Air to refurbish an aircraft, increasing Stewart Island Flights' fleet from four to five planes. This funding aims to enhance regional air connectivity, support essential services like healthcare and education, and boost tourism and business on Stewart Island. The loan is part of a broader $30 million initiative to sustain vulnerable regional air services and help airlines manage costs amid rising fuel prices.

Tags: Stewart Island Mark Patterson South East Air Stewart Island Flights Regional Infrastructure Fund regional air services aviation sector regional airlines Regional Development Minister Regional Infrastructure Fund loan

Taranaki Alliance Boosted by $3M Grant to Secure $100M+ Contracts

07 Sep 2026 | 1 day ago | 73 views

The Taranaki Alliance, supported by a $3 million Regional Infrastructure Fund grant, aims to help local firms secure over $100 million in contracts within three years, aiding economic diversification away from the declining oil and gas sector. The initiative, led by Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki and local partners, will coordinate collaboration among engineering, manufacturing, and technical firms to pursue large-scale national and international projects. With strong regional support and over 85 firms interested, the Alliance seeks to build a commercially sustainable model that enhances bid coordination, compliance, and regional economic representation.

Tags: Shane Jones Taranaki Alliance Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki Methanex New Plymouth District Council Venture Taranaki Regional Development Minister Coalition Government Regional Infrastructure Fund oil and gas sector

Franz Josef Completes Key Flood Protection Works to Boost Community Resilience

06 Sep 2026 | 2 days ago | 97 views

Franz Josef township has achieved a significant flood resilience milestone with the completion of key Waiho River stop bank upgrades, enhancing protection for homes, farms, and infrastructure. These works, part of the second stage of the Franz Josef Flood Protection Scheme, are co-funded by a $6 million Regional Infrastructure Fund grant and follow an initial $9.2 million investment from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund. The upgrades aim to safeguard the community against destructive flooding from the glacier-fed Waiho River while preparing for the final Havill Wall upgrade to protect additional critical assets.

Tags: Franz Josef Waiho River Mark Patterson Franz Josef Glacier Havill Wall Regional Infrastructure Fund State Highway 6 Tartare Stream Associate Regional Development Minister

Fast-Track Approval Boosts Port of Tauranga Expansion with Stella Passage Development

06 Sep 2026 | 2 days ago | 90 views

The Stella Passage Development at the Port of Tauranga has received fast-track approval, enabling significant expansion including wharf extensions, new container cranes, and dredging to accommodate larger vessels and nearly double handling capacity. This approval, granted in about five months through the Fast-track process, addresses longstanding constraints caused by limited capacity and aging infrastructure, enhancing New Zealand’s largest port’s efficiency and supporting regional economic growth. The project is the 34th approved under Fast-track, a system designed to expedite infrastructure developments that deliver economic value and keep New Zealand competitive globally.

Tags: Stella Passage Development Port of Tauranga Chris Bishop Shane Jones Sulphur Point Wharf Mount Maunganui Wharf New Zealand infrastructure Regional Development Environment Court

Government Invests $3.4M to Boost Māori Enterprises, Jobs, and Exports

04 Sep 2026 | 5 days ago | 119 views

The New Zealand Government is investing over $3.4 million through the Māori Development Fund to support three Māori enterprises in creating jobs, expanding exports, and fostering long-term prosperity across sectors like green hydrogen, apple orchards, and premium wine. These investments aim to enhance Māori asset productivity, increase export revenue, and generate economic benefits for whānau, local suppliers, and regions, reflecting the Government’s commitment to backing Māori ambition. Administered by Te Puni Kōkiri, the fund aligns with the Going for Growth with Māori economic plan and has an annual budget of $38.21 million from July 2026 to help overcome growth barriers and build sustainable wealth for future generations.

Tags: Tama Potaka Halcyon Power Tūaropaki Trust Obayashi Corporation Ngāti Pāhauwera Tiraki Māori Development Fund Te Puni Kōkiri Mōkai Raupunga

New State Redress Service Simplifies Claims for Survivors in NZ

02 Sep 2026 | 6 days ago | 162 views

The new State Redress Service provides survivors of abuse in State care with a single point of contact for information, new claims, and ongoing support, streamlining access across multiple agencies. It assigns one case manager for claims involving multiple agencies to simplify the redress process and reduce the need for survivors to repeatedly share their experiences. This service operates alongside existing agencies responsible for claim assessment and decision-making, as part of the government’s response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.

Tags: Erica Stanford Vikki Carter State Redress Service Ministry of Social Development Oranga Tamariki Ministry of Education Ministry of Health Health New Zealand Te Puni Kōkiri Department of Corrections

Trans-Tasman Trade and Tourism Ministers Meet to Boost NZ-Australia Partnership

02 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 152 views

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will host Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell in Auckland for the annual Closer Economic Relations Trade Ministers meeting and discussions with trans-Tasman businesses to strengthen economic ties. In 2025, two-way trade between New Zealand and Australia reached $35 billion, with Australia being New Zealand's largest export destination and international visitor market. The visit will also include talks on tourism growth, Māori tourism, and regional economic development to enhance collaboration between the two countries.

Tags: Todd McClay Don Farrell Louise Upston Trade Ministers Closer Economic Relations Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum tourism growth Māori tourism regional economic development

Trans-Tasman Trade and Tourism Ministers Meet to Strengthen NZ-Australia Partnership

02 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 204 views

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will host Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell in Auckland for the annual Closer Economic Relations Trade Ministers meeting and discussions with trans-Tasman businesses to strengthen the partnership. Their 2025 two-way trade reached $35 billion, with Australia as New Zealand’s largest export destination and visitor market, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong economic and tourism links. Minister Farrell will also meet with Tourism Minister Louise Upston and participate in a Bay of Islands program focused on Māori tourism and regional economic development.

Tags: Todd McClay Don Farrell Louise Upston Closer Economic Relations trade ministers Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum tourism growth Māori tourism regional economic development

US Commits $60M to Support Pacific Energy Crisis Amid Global Challenges

02 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 121 views

Foreign Minister Winston Peters welcomed the US decision to provide $60 million in energy support to the Pacific, addressing budget shortfalls caused by the global energy crisis. The Pacific Islands Forum and partners like New Zealand, Australia, Japan, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank have been actively working to help Pacific nations manage fuel dependency and price shocks. New Zealand’s development program focuses on boosting economic and energy resilience by promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency in the region.

Tags: Winston Peters Christopher Landau United States Pacific Islands Forum New Zealand Australia Japan World Bank Asian Development Bank Pacific Islands

US Commits $60M to Support Pacific Energy Amid Global Crisis, Says Winston Peters

02 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 125 views

Foreign Minister Winston Peters welcomed the United States' decision to provide US$60 million in energy support to the Pacific, addressing budget shortfalls caused by the global energy crisis. The Pacific Islands Forum and partners like New Zealand, Australia, Japan, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank have been collaborating to help Pacific Island countries manage fuel dependency and price shocks. New Zealand’s development program focuses on enhancing economic and energy resilience through renewable energy and improved efficiency to reduce reliance on imported fuels.

Tags: Winston Peters Christopher Landau United States Pacific Islands Forum New Zealand Australia Japan World Bank Asian Development Bank Pacific Islands

New Zealand Launches Mahi Aroha Carers’ Strategy for Support and Recognition

01 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 151 views

The New Zealand Government has launched the Mahi Aroha Carers’ Strategy Action Plan to recognize and support unpaid or informal carers, focusing on health and wellbeing, financial security, and appreciation. Developed collaboratively with the Ministry of Social Development, Carers Alliance, and other groups, the plan sets ongoing, realistic outcomes without an expiration date to address carers' complex challenges. The initiative involved extensive consultation with carers and stakeholders, ensuring accountability and meaningful progress in improving carers' lives.

Tags: Penny Simmonds Ministry of Social Development Carers Alliance Mahi Aroha New Zealand Government Associate Minister Social Development Carers Strategy Employment

New Zealand Launches Ongoing Action Plan to Support Unpaid Carers

01 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 137 views

The New Zealand Government has launched the Mahi Aroha Carers’ Strategy Action Plan to recognize and support unpaid or informal carers, focusing on health and wellbeing, financial security, and recognition. Developed collaboratively with the Ministry of Social Development, the Carers Alliance, and other advocacy groups, the plan is ongoing with realistic outcomes and accountability measures. The initiative reflects extensive community input and aims to provide a sustainable, long-term roadmap addressing the complex challenges carers face.

Tags: Penny Simmonds Mahi Aroha Carers Alliance Ministry of Social Development New Zealand Carers Social Development Employment Government Action Plan

Nelson Hospital Redevelopment Begins with New 128-Bed Inpatient Building Construction

01 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 151 views

Construction has begun on Nelson Hospital’s new 128-bed inpatient building to address bed shortages and support a growing, ageing population. The redevelopment, funded through Budget 2025, will add at least 41 adult medical and surgical beds and include various patient and support facilities, with completion expected to start rising on site by late 2027. Meanwhile, a 28-bed rapid-build inpatient ward made from off-site manufactured modules is being installed to quickly increase capacity with minimal disruption.

Tags: Nelson Hospital Simeon Brown Nelson Marlborough inpatient building hospital redevelopment Budget 2025 healthcare construction

Nelson Hospital Redevelopment Begins: New 128-Bed Inpatient Building Construction Starts

01 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 161 views

Construction has begun on Nelson Hospital's new 128-bed inpatient building to address growing demand and bed shortages, with initial site preparation expected to take around 12 months. The new facility will add at least 41 adult medical and surgical beds and include various patient and support services, marking stage two of the hospital redevelopment funded through Budget 2025. Additionally, a 28-bed rapid-build inpatient ward made of off-site manufactured modules is arriving on campus to quickly increase capacity with minimal disruption.

Tags: Nelson Hospital Simeon Brown inpatient building Nelson Marlborough healthcare redevelopment Budget 2025 hospital construction adult medical beds

New Social Security Bill Tightens Jobseeker Support and Housing Subsidies

28 Aug 2026 | 1 week ago | 203 views

The Social Security (Jobseeker Support and Accommodation Supplement) Amendment Bill, passed in Parliament, tightens eligibility for Jobseeker Support and adjusts the Accommodation Supplement to better target financial assistance. It requires 18- and 19-year-olds to meet the Parental Assistance Test before receiving benefits and increases the homeowner contribution threshold for housing subsidies from 30% to 40% of income. The legislation aims to reduce benefit dependency, encourage work, and ensures certain groups, like pension recipients, are exempt from the new Accommodation Supplement changes.

Tags: Louise Upston Social Security Jobseeker Support Accommodation Supplement Welfare System Budget 2025 Parental Assistance Test New Zealand Government Social Development Employment Minister