Articles tagged with Regional Development
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$640K Loan Boosts Stewart Island Air Connectivity and Regional Services
07 Sep 2026 | 1 day ago | 56 viewsA $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 loanTaranaki Alliance Boosted by $3M Grant to Secure $100M+ Contracts
07 Sep 2026 | 1 day ago | 70 viewsThe 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 sectorFranz Josef Completes Key Flood Protection Works to Boost Community Resilience
06 Sep 2026 | 2 days ago | 97 viewsFranz 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 MinisterFast-Track Approval Boosts Port of Tauranga Expansion with Stella Passage Development
06 Sep 2026 | 2 days ago | 90 viewsThe 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$15M Regional Fund Boosts Aspiring Materials' Green Hydrogen & Critical Minerals Plant
11 Aug 2026 | 4 weeks ago | 317 viewsThe Regional Infrastructure Fund will invest $15 million in Aspiring Materials Limited to develop a $31 million commercial-scale facility in Southland that produces green hydrogen and critical minerals using patented technology. This government-supported project aims to boost economic development, reduce emissions in sectors where electrification is challenging, and strengthen New Zealand’s energy sector through innovation and advanced manufacturing. The funding, part of an $80 million allocation for critical minerals, highlights the government's commitment to diverse energy solutions and regional growth.
Tags: Shane Jones Aspiring Materials Limited Regional Infrastructure Fund New Zealand hydrogen green hydrogen critical minerals Regional Development Hydrogen Action Plan ChristchurchGovernment Invests $15M in Southland Facility for Green Hydrogen and Critical Minerals
11 Aug 2026 | 4 weeks ago | 334 viewsThe Regional Infrastructure Fund will invest $15 million in Aspiring Materials Limited to develop a $31 million commercial-scale plant in Southland that produces green hydrogen and extracts critical minerals from quarry waste using patented technology. This government-backed initiative aims to boost economic development, support energy innovation, and position New Zealand’s regions to capitalize on emerging industrial opportunities, particularly in sectors where hydrogen can reduce emissions. The funding, part of an $80 million allocation for critical minerals projects, aligns with the Hydrogen Action Plan to diversify energy solutions and enhance economic resilience.
Tags: Shane Jones Aspiring Materials Limited Regional Infrastructure Fund Hydrogen Green Hydrogen New Zealand Regional Development Hydrogen Action Plan Critical Minerals Energy InnovationChatham Islands Boost Connectivity with $15.5M Wharf, Fuel & Air Upgrades
11 Aug 2026 | 4 weeks ago | 313 viewsThe New Zealand government is investing over $15 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to upgrade critical wharf and fuel infrastructure on the Chatham Islands and expand air travel connectivity through an interlining agreement between Air Chathams and Air New Zealand. These improvements include major wharf repairs, upgraded fuel facilities to support a new supply vessel, and enhanced airport infrastructure, culminating in the new terminal at Inia William Tuuta Memorial Airport as part of a broader $45 million investment since 2018. These projects aim to strengthen the islands’ economic sustainability, improve transportation reliability, and support essential services such as healthcare, tourism, and business growth.
Tags: Shane Jones Mark Patterson Inia William Tuuta Air Chathams Air New Zealand Chatham Islands Crown Infrastructure Delivery Kaingaroa Wharf Regional Development Minister Associate Regional Development MinisterJohn Rae Reappointed Chair of Crown Regional Holdings Board for Three Years
16 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 409 viewsJohn Rae has been reappointed Chair of the Crown Regional Holdings Limited Board for three more years due to his extensive legal, financial, and governance expertise. Crown Regional Holdings manages significant government investments aimed at supporting regional economic development across New Zealand, with a diverse portfolio spanning eight regional funds, 13 regions, and 19 industry sectors. As of the 2025 financial year, CRHL oversees 201 active contracts totaling $1,085 million in loans, equity, and capital assets, reflecting the government’s commitment to regional growth.
Tags: John Rae Shane Jones Crown Regional Holdings Limited CRHL regional development New Zealand regional investment governance financial experienceGovernment Funds $4.5M Mussel Spat Nursery to Boost NZ Greenshell Industry
01 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 564 viewsThe New Zealand government is funding a $4.5 million loan to establish a mussel spat nursery in Houhora Bay, Northland, aiming to stabilize and increase spat supply for the Greenshell mussel industry. The Te Hiku Aquaculture Mussel Spat Project, led by four iwi groups and co-funded with $1.3 million, will develop up to 150 mussel lines to improve spat survival and support nationwide mussel farming. This initiative aligns with the government’s Aquaculture Development Plan to grow the industry to $3 billion annually by 2035 and is progressing through the Fast-track consent process before funding is released.
Tags: Mark Patterson Te Aupōuri Te Rarawa Ngāi Takoto Ngāti Kahu Akau Associate Regional Development Minister Te Aupōuri Fisheries Management Limited Muriwhenua GovernmentFast-Track Approval Granted for Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme Renewal
15 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 758 viewsThe Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme in the Bay of Plenty has received Fast-track approval for re-consenting, enabling its continued operation and supporting New Zealand’s renewable energy goals by generating 169 GWh annually and avoiding 26,693 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. This approval, the 23rd under the Fast-track process, took five and a half months following an independent expert panel review and highlights the scheme’s critical role in supplying electricity to approximately 24,600 households and contributing significantly to Tauranga's demand. The Fast-track process aims to expedite important infrastructure projects efficiently, with 46 projects currently progressing and 149 eligible under the Fast-track Approvals Act.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Manawa Energy Limited Tauranga Bay of Plenty New Zealand Infrastructure Minister Regional Development MinisterFast-Track Approval Granted for Pound Road Industrial Land Development in Christchurch
01 May 2026 | 4 months ago | 824 viewsThe Pound Road industrial land development in Christchurch, covering 60.4 hectares and providing up to 84 industrial lots, has received Fast-track approval, marking the 20th project approved under this process and the seventh in the South Island. This project is expected to contribute $451 million to the economy during construction and support long-term economic growth by accommodating light manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics, while providing infrastructure such as roads and three-waters services. The Fast-track process continues to facilitate significant regional developments, with 45 projects currently progressing and approvals granted under various acts to streamline growth and job creation.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Ngāi Tahu Property Development Holdings Pound Road Christchurch Infrastructure Minister Regional Development Minister Resource Management Act Wildlife ActParihaka Infrastructure Upgrades Complete to Preserve Historic Māori Site
30 Apr 2026 | 4 months ago | 932 viewsMajor infrastructure upgrades at Parihaka in Taranaki, supported by $19.8 million in government funding and $8.5 million in community investment, have been completed to strengthen and protect this historically significant Māori site. The improvements to roads, water, lighting, and public amenities enhance flood resilience, reduce environmental risks, and enable future housing while honoring Parihaka’s legacy of non-violent resistance and Māori self-determination. These upgrades fulfill commitments under the Parihaka Deed of Reconciliation Agreement and support the community’s ongoing role as a symbol of peace, justice, and learning for future generations.
Tags: Parihaka Taranaki Shane Jones Tohu Kākahi Te Whiti o Rongomai Māori Crown Parihaka Papakāinga Trust Te Kawenata o Rongo Regional Development MinisterGovernment Grants $22 Million to Support New Zealand Regional Airlines and Connectivity
23 Apr 2026 | 4 months ago | 802 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 ZealandFast-Tracked Waitaha Hydro Project to Boost West Coast Renewable Energy
17 Apr 2026 | 4 months ago | 908 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
16 Apr 2026 | 4 months ago | 822 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 hoist