RIF helps Taranaki harness its know-how
Published: 10 September, 2026
The government is investing $3 million in an industry-led Taranaki initiative to help local firms pursue large-scale procurement opportunities through a Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) grant.
The Taranaki Alliance aims for local companies to secure large-scale contracts worth more than $100 million in infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, energy, and civil engineering over its first 3 years.
Achieving the goal will lead to the retention or redeployment of hundreds of skilled roles currently at risk because of the declining oil and gas sector.
The Taranaki Alliance was set up last year by Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, the region’s economic development agency, in partnership with local engineering, manufacturing, and technical services firms.
It will work as a hub to help firms collaborate on identifying, tendering for and securing major national and international contracts. It will also provide international partners with a one-stop shop to access the region’s heavy industry and engineering prowess.
New Plymouth District Council and Venture Taranaki have also committed funding to the initiative, with further revenue expected from membership and service fees.
The RIF grant will advance work towards establishing a commercially sustainable operating model and be used to cover core operating costs, including lead generation, bid co-ordination, lifting compliance and assurance capability, and providing a single entity for representing the region’s economic offering.
More than 85 firms have expressed interest in joining the Taranaki Alliance, reflecting strong regional interest in taking a coordinated approach to large-scale procurement and supply chain opportunities.