Recent news and announcements from Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit.
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Ngāmotu Marae to be built in central New Plymouth
The Government is providing up to $8.6 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to Ngāti Te Whiti, the mana whenua of New Plymouth, to establish a new marae in the heart of the city.
8 July, 2026
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RIF loan supports new freight hub
A loan of up to $22.4 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) will support the rail component of Te Utanganui – a major new freight hub in Palmerston North that links rail, road, air and sea.
8 July, 2026
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RIF backs joint iwi mussel spat project
A new mussel spat nursery will be established in Houhora Bay, Northland, supported by a $4.5 million Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) loan.
7 July, 2026
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Crucial flood resilience work begins in Southland
One of the largest flood resilience investments by the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) is underway in Southland, with physical works beginning on the Mataura River flood resilience infrastructure upgrade.
25 May, 2026
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Solar project begins on Rakiura / Stewart Island
Physical works have started on a major renewable energy project on Rakiura / Stewart Island that will significantly reduce the island’s reliance on diesel-generated electricity and help deliver cheaper power and a more resilient network.
22 May, 2026
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Three more regional airlines receive loans
Three more regional airlines will receive Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) loans from the $30 million ear-marked to help support at-risk regional air routes and safeguard essential services.
28 April, 2026
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Port Nelson upgrades to buoy local economy
The completion of major works at Port Nelson with funding support from government will strengthen the region’s ability to service medium to large vessels and support long-term regional economic growth.
20 April, 2026
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New name, same superhot kaupapa (purpose)
New Zealand’s pioneering superhot geothermal undertaking, formerly known as the New Zealand Supercritical Geothermal Project, is now ‘GeoShot NZ’.
20 April, 2026
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Water project for boosting food production
A loan of up to $18.13 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) is supporting the Tukituki Water Security Project in Hawke’s Bay with the aim of boosting food production and creating jobs.
7 April, 2026
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Mystery Creek water network to be upgraded
Water infrastructure at Mystery Creek Events Centre near Hamilton – home of the country’s premier agricultural event, National Fieldays – is being upgraded with the help of a Regional Infrastructure Fund loan of $1.35 million.
2 April, 2026