Waikato takes its name from New Zealand’s longest river, the mighty Waikato which flows through the region’s rolling plains, fertile land and the centre of its biggest city, Hamilton.
Waikato is ideal for dairy farming, forestry, food production and manufacturing, with fishing, education, health, community services and a growing digital economy also playing important roles in its economy. Industry is supported by high-quality transport infrastructure which connects Waikato to other markets.
Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit projects are supporting the region’s fast-growing population, addressing gaps in skills and labour, growing its global reach and building on its prime location in the heart of the North Island.
For full details on projects funded in this region:
Waikato stories
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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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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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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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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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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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More funding to grow our regions – and a new identity for the Provincial Development Unit
A new fund has been created to boost the drive to grow regional economies.
27 May, 2021
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More than $4.3m to boost rangatahi success
Seven community programmes are receiving more than $4.3 million funding boost from the government’s He Poutama Rangatahi initiative.
2 February, 2021
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Community effort — Te Awa River Path reopens
Hamilton locals are celebrating the reopening of a popular cycleway in the Waikato region, which has undergone remediation work thanks to a funding package administered by the Provincial Development Unit (PDU).
19 January, 2021
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Breaking ground for Pasifika in Waikato
Pasifika communities in Waikato came together on Saturday for a ground-breaking ceremony at the site of the new Pan Pacific Community Hub.
11 December, 2020
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The digital marae – helping connect iwi around the country
The Provincial Development Unit is investing up to $1.8 million to help train iwi to get the most out of the programme to digitally connect marae.
20 November, 2020
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