Recent news and announcements from Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit.
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Flood warning upgrades underway across 10 regions
Work is now underway across 10 regions on a $9.38 million project to strengthen New Zealand's flood warning infrastructure, helping communities better prepare for and respond to severe weather events.
25 September, 2026
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$8 million investment in Waitangi Treaty Grounds
The Government is investing $8 million through the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to support the continued operation and preservation of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
16 September, 2026
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First Gas Security Fund projects announced
Two projects in Taranaki could bring New Zealand a step closer to securing its ongoing energy supply with the support of the Gas Security Fund.
15 September, 2026
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RIF helps Taranaki harness its know-how
The government is investing $3 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to an industry-led Taranaki initiative to help local firms pursue large-scale procurement projects.
10 September, 2026
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Hydrogen RIF package to support regional opportunities
A new $30 million funding package has been set aside within the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to support projects that help grow New Zealand’s hydrogen sector.
28 August, 2026
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Supporting Chatham Islands connectivity
The government is investing more than $15 million through the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to strengthen critical transport and fuel infrastructure on the Chatham Islands.
26 August, 2026
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Northland dry dock fast-track consent application lodged
The Northland shipyard and dry dock project has reached an important milestone, with a substantive fast-track application submitted to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) on 20 August.
26 August, 2026
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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
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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