Recent news and announcements from Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit.
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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
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Geothermal receives support from the RIF
A $50 million allocation has been set aside from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) for geothermal projects, helping unlock new renewable energy, jobs and regional resilience.
26 March, 2026
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RIF to strengthen Hamilton Airport’s resilience
A loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) will support the extension of Hamilton Airport’s runway, increasing its capacity to support a wider range of aircraft and strengthen the resilience of the national aviation network during emergencies.
26 March, 2026
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Masterton's Hood Aerodrome upgrade complete
Masterton’s Hood Aerodrome has completed a major upgrade of its airfield infrastructure, improving safety and strengthening its ability to support the region’s economy, with a $10 million government grant from the COVID-19 Response Recovery Fund.
23 March, 2026
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Superhot geothermal preferred contractor named
New Zealand firm Todd Energy has been selected as the preferred lead contractor to drill New Zealand’s first exploratory superdeep, superhot geothermal well, which – if successful – could bring about a step change in New Zealand’s energy supply.
11 March, 2026
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Gas Security Fund expert panel appointed
Gas and energy industry specialist Andy Knight is to chair a panel appointed to provide expert advice to the Government on applications to the Gas Security Fund.
4 March, 2026
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Pre-construction work for new Falls Dam
Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) funding will support the future resilience of Central Otago’s primary industries with a $2 million loan towards pre construction work on a proposed replacement for the 90-year-old Falls Dam near St Bathans, Otago.
26 February, 2026
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Golden Bay Air receives first regional airline loan
Golden Bay Air is the first airline to receive a concessionary loan from funding ear-marked for at-risk regional air routes.
25 February, 2026
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New suite of Regional Infrastructure Fund reports published
Kānoa has published a new suite of monitoring and reporting reports for the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF).
17 February, 2026