Recent news and announcements from Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit.
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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
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Support for energy resilience in the Far North
Reliable, affordable electricity is on the way for a kura (school) and 5 marae north of Kaitaia, supported by a grant of up to $1.26 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF).
13 February, 2026
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Regional Infrastructure Fund support for Māori horticulture
The government is investing a total of $6.25 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) into 2 horticulture developments on underutilised Māori land in Northland and Waikato.
13 February, 2026
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Government loan helps boost productivity for Taranaki land
The government is providing a $950,000 loan through the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to support the Omuturangi 6E and 7A Ahu Whenua Trust, to increase productivity on its farmland near Hāwera.
10 February, 2026
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Government supports infrastructure for Kaikohe housing project
A $4 million grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) will help fund the infrastructure needed to create up to 100 new affordable homes as part of a Kaikohe social housing project.
10 February, 2026
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Waitangi Treaty Grounds road access improved
Road access to one of New Zealand’s most important cultural sites, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, was upgraded in time for Waitangi Day events.
10 February, 2026
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CRHL Annual Report 2025 highlights strong regional impact
Crown Regional Holdings Limited’s (CRHL) Annual Report 2025 shows that government investment is delivering real economic benefits across New Zealand’s regions.
3 February, 2026
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$10m investment in new Ringatū Marae complex
The Government is investing just over $10 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to upgrade the National Ringatū Marae Complex in Bay of Plenty.
3 February, 2026
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Funding boost for Nelson Marina project
Nelson’s planned marina expansion has been provided a $12.89 million Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) loan, which will help deliver infrastructure upgrades to drive economic growth and generate local jobs.
3 February, 2026
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Government support for Timaru intersection
A $2.84 million grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) will support a project to clear bottlenecks on State Highway 1 in Timaru, unlocking major commercial development and new jobs.
3 February, 2026
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Airport upgrade to strengthen regional resilience
Wairoa Airport will receive a $4.2 million upgrade to help support the region’s growing needs, especially during emergencies.
3 February, 2026
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Hotter, deeper, cleaner: Powering our way to 'supercritical' geothermal energy
New Zealand is at the fore of a global race to unlock one of the potentially most powerful renewable energy sources on Earth.
28 January, 2026
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New racing hub unlocks housing potential
A racecourse in the Hawke’s Bay will be transformed to help free up prime land for houses in Hastings, with a loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF).
23 January, 2026
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Waikato Regional Theatre opens its doors
A new era for the arts has arrived in Hamilton with the opening of the Waikato Regional Theatre, a 1,300-seat landmark backed by a $14 million government grant from the former Provincial Growth Fund.
23 January, 2026
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Southland industrial subdivision receives boost
The Government has provided a $3.1 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to kickstart an industrial subdivision near Gore.
23 January, 2026
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Fuel access boost for Marlborough Sounds communities
Remote communities in the outer Marlborough Sounds will soon have access to a local, reliable petrol supply at Elaine Bay through a $350,000 grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund.
15 January, 2026
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Gas security fund opens
Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit (Kānoa) is calling for expressions of interest for co-investment proposals that will accelerate or increase the volume of gas to market or provide storage for managing seasonal demand.
13 January, 2026
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Remote Horeke community gets power upgrade
The remote community of Horeke in Northland will have its electricity supply upgraded with the help of a $1.6 million grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF).
17 December, 2025
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Kaikōura redevelopment opens for summer
The completion of Kaikōura’s waterfront redevelopment, Wakatu Quay, marks a major milestone for the revitalisation of the region.
17 December, 2025
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Tasman’s Port Tarakohe upgrades complete
The $12.7 million upgrade of Port Tarakohe has been completed, marking a major step forward for economic development and emergency resilience in the Tasman District.
9 December, 2025
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Regional Infrastructure Fund supporting resilience on the West Coast
The Government announced it is investing $2.31 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to upgrade Jackson Bay Wharf, strengthening the region's disaster resilience and supporting the local fishing industry.
27 November, 2025
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Energy boost for Chatham Islands
The completion of the Chatham Islands Renewable Energy Project is expected to reduce both local power prices and carbon emissions on the Chatham Islands.
27 November, 2025
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Ōpōtiki Harbour supports aquaculture growth
Work on a new harbour servicing the eastern Bay of Plenty is complete, unlocking opportunities for aquaculture and marine industry growth, new local jobs and regional prosperity.
25 November, 2025
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Government announces flood resilience funding
The Government has announced that it will invest $96.8 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) into 32 flood resilience projects across New Zealand, helping protect more than 30,000 homes and around 350,000 hectares of land.
17 October, 2025
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Te Waihekeora Reservoir
Horticulture and job opportunities in Northland will get a major boost with the completion of Te Waihekeora Reservoir, a 3.3 million cubic metre water storage project south of Dargaville.
2 October, 2025
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First supercritical geothermal site chosen
Land within Rotokawa Geothermal Reservoir in the Taupō Volcanic Zone has been selected as a preferred site for New Zealand’s first supercritical geothermal exploration, with design work already underway to develop the first well.
24 September, 2025
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East Coast receives $24.62m funding for infrastructure
$24.62 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) will support horticulture expansion in Wairoa and Tairāwhiti through water storage, flood resilience and whenua Māori projects.
28 August, 2025
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Canterbury water storage receives $56.4m investment
The Government is investing more than $56 million into water resilience projects in rural Canterbury to help protect against changing weather patterns and increase productivity through higher value land use.
18 July, 2025
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Solar projects increase reliability of power supply for communities
Loans from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for 3 solar energy projects will make local electricity supply more secure, building community resilience.
4 July, 2025
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Water reservoir will boost industry and agriculture in the Wairarapa
A reservoir to be built near Carterton will be a game-changer for the town and wider Wairarapa region.
4 July, 2025
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Key transport link opens to boost Bay of Plenty economy
A key piece of transport infrastructure linking a new industrial park in Bay of Plenty to the wider region will help grow the economy, creating jobs and opportunities.
26 March, 2025
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Government funding confirmed for Whakapapa ski field purchasers
Cabinet has agreed to provide Whakapapa Holdings 2024 Limited (WHL) with a loan of up to $5 million to support its purchase of the Whakapapa ski field, on the condition that WHL obtain a concession to operate the ski area from the Minister of Conservation
10 December, 2024
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New sea walls safeguard Ōpōtiki’s transformation
Two new breakwater walls officially opened in Pākihikura (Ōpōtiki) Harbour in September 2024 provide boats with safe harbour access to support the continued growth of aquaculture in the Bay of Plenty.
11 October, 2024
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Parihaka infrastructure upgrades funded
Parihaka papakāinga, a village on ancestral Māori land, is set to receive Government funding to improve its wastewater infrastructure.
2 October, 2024
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First Regional Infrastructure Fund co-investments confirmed
Flood resilience projects protecting communities across the regions could get started as early as this year, with the first tranche of project funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) now confirmed.
16 September, 2024
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Kaingaroa Community Development Project
The $11.1 million Kaingaroa Village Community Development Project accelerated the implementation of the Kaingaroa Village Community Development Plan by providing funding for essential infrastructure and facilities.
24 July, 2024
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Revitalising wellness – the QE Health transformation
In the heart of Rotorua lies a hub of healing and wellness, Queen Elizabeth (QE) Health.
7 June, 2024
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Karakia marks formal opening of suspension bridge on Taranaki Maunga
A karakia and blessing by Ngāti Ruanui marked the formal opening of the suspension bridge over the Manganui Gorge, one of the most striking features of the Taranaki Crossing project on Taranaki Maunga.
28 May, 2024
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Innovative locally-designed ‘zoo labs’ helping save Mahoenui Giant Wētā
A $2 million grant from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund administered by Kānoa – Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit (Kānoa – RD) has enabled Waikato’s Ōtorohanga Kiwi House to complete and open innovative, locally-designed ‘zoo labs
15 May, 2024
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Kōpū Marine Servicing and Business Precinct to grow jobs and exports
A new marine servicing and business precinct at Kōpū near Thames will boost the Coromandel Peninsula’s aquaculture footprint.
7 May, 2024
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Construction work on Rotorua Museum to get underway in June
Construction on Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa will start in June this year following confirmation of the final piece of project funding.
30 April, 2024
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Crown receiver opens EOI process for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts’ Whakapapa assets
Calibre Partners, the Crown-appointed receivers for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL), is seeking expressions of interest in acquiring the business and assets of the Whakapapa ski field.
12 April, 2024
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Murupara - Work for Life Centre and Regional Digital Hub
Limited education and training and a long history of limited employment opportunities in Murupara has presented its challenges. Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa Trust is determined to turn things around for their community.
12 April, 2024
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PGF loan borrower to expand waste-to-bioenergy operations
Ecogas, a Provincial Growth Fund loan recipient, has secured a contract to build a food waste-to-bioenergy facility with Christchurch City Council.
20 December, 2023
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New fish-friendly pumps of megalodon proportions
Waikato Regional Council is preparing to build fish-friendly upgrades of the pump stations in the Aka Aka and Churchill East drainage areas, thanks to grant funding of $4.48 million from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund administered by Kānoa Region
29 November, 2023
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Taranaki Crossing progresses as construction begins on Manganui Bridge
On Wednesday, 1 November Ngāti Ruanui representatives joined Kānoa and Department of Conservation (DOC) staff on Taranaki Maunga to bless the site of Manganui Bridge on the first day of construction.
3 November, 2023
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Ōpōtiki Harbour Development Project wins big at Economic Development NZ Awards
The Ōpōtiki Harbour Development Project, a transformative project aimed at revitalising the Ōpōtiki community, garnered 2 awards at the Economic Development New Zealand (EDNZ) Awards held last night: the Inclusive Well Being Award and the Overall Supreme
27 October, 2023
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Crown receiver appointed for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) has been placed into Crown-appointed receivership.
27 October, 2023
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Continued Crown support for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
The Government has agreed to provide further funding for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited (RAL) to support the pathway forward for Mt Ruapehu’s skiing operations, jobs and regional economy in the immediate future.
6 October, 2023
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Port Tarakohe moves forward with $6 million government loan
After many years of planning, the first phase of the development for Port Tarakohe has been given a boost with Regional Economic Development Ministers approving a $6 million concessionary loan in agreement with Tasman District Council.
6 October, 2023
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Further investement in Te Tai Tokerau water storage
Regional Economic Development Ministers have approved a $3.342 million loan from the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund (RSPF) to develop another water storage facility in Te Tai Tokerau.
6 October, 2023
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Support to regional agriculture following Cyclone Gabrielle
Find out how the Government is supporting growers throughout Gisborne/Tairāwhiti. This supports the region after the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle. These loans are being delivered via the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund.
28 September, 2023
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Kānoa-funding projects open in Otago, enabling further regional growth
Two Otago landmarks worth more than $33 million officially opened today, heralding further economic development for the region’s tourism and wider community.
25 August, 2023
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NIWE Primary Producer Finance Scheme open for applications
Land-based primary producers severely impacted by the North Island Weather Events (NIWE) in early 2023, including Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary Weekend flooding, can now apply for the NIWE Primary Producer Finance Scheme.
18 August, 2023
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Investment in our regional economies continues
The Government is continuing to invest in our regional economies as part of an ongoing strategy to develop these areas to become more productive, resilient, inclusive and sustainable.
8 August, 2023
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Studies confirm Kānoa-managed investments had positive impacts for sectors and communities
Independent impact studies of Kānoa - Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit-managed investments into specific regions and sectors have found positive economic, business, and community impacts due to the funding.
25 July, 2023
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20 year vision comes to light with National Wildlife Centre's new whare wānanga
Te Wānanga Taiao, a new 916-square-metre facility designed primarily as an education centre for the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, was formally blessed and opened in July.
24 July, 2023
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Water volatility highlights need to build Hawke's Bay water security
As Hawke’s Bay works to recover from Cyclone Gabrielle and its wettest recorded year, a new report finds that, as the region plans for how to manage too much water, it also needs to consider how to build resilience to not having enough.
30 June, 2023
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Raglan residents enjoying new and improved Whaaingaroa Wharf
Raglan residents got their first chance to test out improvements at the Whaaingaroa wharf this month, including a newly constructed pontoon, kayak ramp and eastern walkway.
29 June, 2023
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Unlocking Rotorua's industrial potential
The Government is supporting the development of 13 hectares of Māori freehold land into an industrial park in Rotorua, Bay of Plenty with a $6 million loan from the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund.
15 June, 2023
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Te Whare Hononga, a place for peace and understanding, opens in Taranaki
A new whare (house) that creates a space to bring the Taranaki Cathedral community and mana whenua together and establish the Sir Paul Reeves Centre, officially opened with a dawn blessing in Ngāmotu New Plymouth today.
13 April, 2023
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Investment into film, food and beverage sectors in Central Otago
The Government is continuing to invest in projects in Central Otago Districts as part of an ongoing strategy to develop alternative industries which are not tourism focused.
5 April, 2023
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James Cumming Community Centre and Library opened in Gore
On Friday, 24 March, Minister of Regional Development, Kiri Allan was in Gore to celebrate the opening of the James Cumming Community Centre and Library.
5 April, 2023
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Taupō projects strengthen regional resilience
Community-led projects that will strengthen economic resilience in Taupō and the wider region have been completed with the support of a $29 million Government investment.
16 March, 2023
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Taupō projects strengthen regional resilience
Community-led projects that will strengthen economic resilience in Taupō and the wider region have been completed with the support of a $29 million Government investment.
16 March, 2023
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K’aute Pasifika Village opens in the heart of Kirikiriroa Hamilton
Over 1500 people from across Aotearoa and the broader Pacific Region gathered to celebrate the momentous opening of the first stage of K’aute Pasifika’s Village, in Kirikiriroa Hamilton.
18 January, 2023
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Lakes District Museum ready for tourist season
The Lakes District Museum in Arrowtown was officially reopened on Friday, 9 December after a lengthy restoration process.
16 December, 2022
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Investing in Tairāwhiti Gisborne’s future
Minister of Economic and Regional Development Stuart Nash was in Tairāwhiti Gisborne where he announced two successful recipients from the Government’s $200 million Regional Strategic Partnership Fund.
16 December, 2022
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Investing in Tairāwhiti Gisborne’s future
Minister of Economic and Regional Development Stuart Nash was in Tairāwhiti Gisborne where he announced two successful recipients from the Government’s $200 million Regional Strategic Partnership Fund.
14 December, 2022
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Walkway project powered by partnerships
Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash has opened the Te Aratia Walkway, a new 24km loop walking track on the Māhia Peninsula in Hawke’s Bay.
14 December, 2022
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Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Life Pass Holders surveyed on willingness to support new entity
Kānoa - RDU has today asked the Voluntary Administrators of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) to formally survey the approximately 14,500 Life Pass Holders to gauge their willingness to financially support a proposal for a new entity.
18 November, 2022
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Funding set to expand deep dive marine work
A $700,000 Regional Strategic Partnership Fund hyperlink loan for specialist scientific diving business, Deep Dive Division, will enable its operations to expand and create 6 new skilled jobs.
10 November, 2022
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Awapuni on track for regional racing boost
A new synthetic track surface at Awapuni Racecourse has set the course for a regional economic boost with a great summer of events now on the cards at the Palmerston North racing centre.
9 November, 2022
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Toitū Builtsmart to deliver homes and jobs to Tairāwhiti
The Toitū Builtsmart Facility in Te Tairāwhiti Gisborne has been officially opened and will deliver over 50 much-needed homes for Tairāwhiti, create 18 direct full-time jobs, while providing a site for Toitū Tairāwhiti Māori trades training.
2 November, 2022
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Historic site of national importance Ōhaeawai opened
The restored battle site at Ōhaeawai, a historically important site in the context of the 1845-46 Northern Land Wars, has been officially opened after undergoing $1.79 million in government backed restorations.
16 October, 2022
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High hopes for New Zealand wine industry
On Thursday 29 September 2022, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern officially opened Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa - New Zealand Wine Centre in Blenheim, a testament to the Government’s high hopes for New Zealand’s wine industry.
7 October, 2022
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Central Hawke’s Bay route transformation delivers reliability and opportunity
A vital roading network that once could only be relied upon to flood during a Central Hawke’s Bay downpour has been transformed, opening economic opportunities for the district’s rural heartland and providing a model for future repairs.
6 October, 2022
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Ruakura Superhub opening heralds stronger economic future
The opening of the Ruakura Superhub is a landmark juncture for the Waikato-Tainui iwi and heralds a stronger economic future of the wider Waikato region.
20 September, 2022
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Taranaki Crossing takes a step forward with visitor centre works
Realising the vision of the Taranaki Crossing project took another step forward this week with the start of on-site works for the North Egmont Visitor Centre within the National Park
12 September, 2022
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Seaweed innovation that leads the world
An innovative $1.5 million project in Paeroa in the Waikato that will likely create the world’s first commercial seaweed-based nanocellulose manufacturing plant is being supported with a $750,000 loan from Kānoa’s Regional Strategic Partnership Fund.
17 August, 2022
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West Coast town rockin'
Reefton may be a small town on the West Coast, but there is nothing small about the aspirations had here.
3 August, 2022
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Oat milk gets the OK from RSPF
Southland's burgeoning oat milk industry is set to make a splash with the Government investing in a new oat milk processing plant near Invercargill.
14 July, 2022
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New Tairua Surf Lifesaving Club ready for summer wave of Coromandel visitors
Locals celebrated in the Coromandel in December at the opening of a new facility for the Tairua Surf Lifesaving Club, ready for a summer wave of visitors.
12 July, 2022
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Ngā Ara Tipuna brings to life the stories of Tamatea
Ngā Ara Tipuna, a history trail sharing the stories of the people of Tamatea – Central Hawke’s Bay, has reached a significant milestone – celebrating the completion of the first phase of this significant cultural heritage project.
1 July, 2022
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CRHL welcomes newly appointed members
Crown Regional Holdings Limited (CRHL) has increased its Board of Directors from three to seven, welcoming Dame Patsy Reddy, Anne-Marie Broughton, Elizabeth Hopkins and Rosie Mercer.
28 June, 2022
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Getting the ball rolling
Whangārei’s innovative Rolling Ball Clock has been set in motion, thanks to the determination of a local group of volunteers and some well-timed funding from Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit.
26 April, 2022
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Hundertwasser Art Centre opens
The stunning new Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery is now open in Whangārei, thanks to funding support from Kānoa – RDU.
23 February, 2022
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Lithium recovery investment gets green light in Taupō
New Zealand’s commitment to creating a lower carbon future has been given a boost with the Government providing $2 million from the new Regional Strategic Partnership Fund to develop world-leading lithium recovery technology near Taupō.
22 February, 2022
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Engineered for success – expansion of innovative engineering youth training programme
An innovative Provincial Growth Fund-backed youth training programme in South Otago is already proving so successful that it's being rolled out across the lower South Island.
11 August, 2021
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Northland's Māori tourism ventures hit the big time
TIME magazine has named Northland and three Provincial Growth Fund supported Māori tourism spots in its latest list of top 100 places to visit.
30 July, 2021
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Major new sports complex for Hawke's Bay thanks to Kānoa – RDU
Work has started on a major new Hawke’s Bay indoor sports complex, thanks to the support of Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit.
23 July, 2021
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New Zealand company leads the way in environmentally friendly lithium extraction
A New Zealand company has successfully developed an environmentally-friendly way of extracting lithium, a valuable metal vital in building electric vehicle batteries.
22 June, 2021
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Major infrastructure project to improve working conditions in northern Hawke’s Bay
Ground has been broken on a new multi-million dollar roading operations hub in Wairoa which will accommodate the workforce of Quality Roading and Services (QRS), the Northern Hawke’s Bay town’s second largest employer.
21 June, 2021