The Coalition Government's Regional Infrastructure Fund has committed over $550 million in funding towards key projects, with more than 250 applications received so far.
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones said the fund is prioritizing spending to deliver the best impact regionally. Approved investments align with focus areas such as water storage, energy generation and Māori economic development. Projects include cutting-edge technology like supercritical geothermal energy and infrastructure to cope with weather events.
Mr Jones released dates for further regional summits, including Canterbury on March 28, Chatham Islands on April 15, Wairarapa & Kāpiti on May 9, and Otago on May 16. The Regional Infrastructure Fund aims to accelerate infrastructure projects and has a primary focus on water storage, energy, Māori economic development, growth, and resilience.