16 Oct 2026
1 week ago
157 views
Investment from the Regional Infrastructure Fund is driving significant upgrades to key West Coast transport infrastructure, including shipping ports and Hokitika Airport, to support economic growth and resilience. Projects underway include the Greymouth Port sounding vessel, port improvements at Greymouth, Westport, and Jackson Bay, and a $16.4 million airport upgrade aimed at enhancing safety and reducing flight disruptions. These investments are strengthening critical transport connections and supporting industries and communities across the region.
15 Oct 2026
1 week ago
205 views
The crash-prone Haynes Bridge on State Highway 54 in Manawatū will be replaced with $6.5 million funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to improve safety and reliability. The new bridge aims to support local communities, businesses, and economic activity by providing a dependable transport connection and avoiding lengthy diversions. Design and consenting will start within six months, with construction expected to begin in 2027.
14 Oct 2026
1 week ago
186 views
The Deep Creek Bridge on South Canterbury’s State Highway 82 will be replaced at a cost of $7.5 million, funded by the Regional Infrastructure Fund, due to significant deterioration making replacement more cost-effective than repairs. This bridge supports about 1850 vehicles daily, playing a vital role in local transport, agriculture, and freight, with design and construction planned to begin by 2027. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Transport Minister Chris Bishop emphasize that reliable transport infrastructure is crucial for regional productivity, connectivity, and economic growth.
06 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
273 views
The New Zealand government will allocate $5 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to replace the nearly century-old Piraunui Stream Bridge on State Highway 26, a vital transport route in Waikato. This proactive investment aims to ensure resilient infrastructure, support economic growth, and maintain safe, reliable connections for communities and freight operators. Design and consenting work will start within six months, with construction planned for 2027, pending approvals.
05 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
229 views
The Environmental Protection Authority has accepted the Fast-track application for the Northland Shipyard and Dry Dock project, which will now be reviewed by an independent expert panel. The government has allocated $100 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support this nationally significant facility, aiming to reduce reliance on overseas dry docks and boost New Zealand's economy. The project is expected to create hundreds of permanent jobs, enhance vessel maintenance efficiency, and deliver substantial economic benefits to Northland and the country.
05 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
261 views
The Regional Infrastructure Fund will allocate $5.7 million in working capital grants to regional airlines to help them manage rising operating costs, particularly due to increased fuel prices, and maintain essential regional air services. These temporary, targeted grants, ranging from $300,000 to $1.2 million, are based on airlines’ passenger volumes and flight movements, with the expectation that service levels will be preserved. This funding complements nearly $26 million already provided in loans for aircraft acquisition, maintenance, and debt refinancing, demonstrating the Government's commitment to sustaining regional connectivity and supporting remote communities.
12 Sep 2026
1 month ago
358 views
The Government is investing $835,000, funded by the International Visitor Levy, to enhance Kaikōura’s visitor facilities, especially for cruise arrivals, and improve public spaces for both tourists and locals. This investment aims to support tourism growth by creating a more welcoming experience, boosting the local economy, and addressing pressures on the small local community. By improving infrastructure in Kaikōura, the initiative seeks to increase visitor spending, job opportunities, and overall economic benefits for the region.
10 Sep 2026
1 month ago
434 views
The Government is allocating $8 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support the ongoing operation, preservation, and infrastructure of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a site of immense national and cultural significance. This funding aims to maintain public access, enhance educational and commemorative programs, and ensure the site remains vibrant for future generations, supporting regional tourism and economic activity. Previous investments have also upgraded infrastructure and facilities, with continued efforts focused on preserving this taonga ahead of the 2040 bicentenary of Waitangi Day.
08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
344 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.
08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
433 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.
07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
376 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.
07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
441 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.
12 Aug 2026
2 months ago
665 views
The 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.
12 Aug 2026
2 months ago
664 views
The 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.
12 Aug 2026
2 months ago
640 views
The 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.