The West Coast is a spectacular and scenic region, with a rich history forged by people who have built thriving local communities and industries in one of the most challenging parts of the country.
The towering Southern Alps, glaciers, rivers and vast tracts of native bush have provided a solid base on which to build a flourishing tourism economy as the region expands from traditional industries like farming and mining.
With a goal of sustainable economic development, the Provincial Development Unit has prioritised investment in the West Coast region.
Tai Poutini West Coast Growth Study [PDF, 4.4 MB]
Tai Poutini West Coast Economic Development Strategy 2018-2025
West Coast Regional Council plans
For full details on projects funded in the region:
What's happening in the West Coast
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West Coast whitebait farm backed by Provincial Development Unit
An innovative project to farm whitebait on the West Coast is being supported by the Provincial Development Unit (PDU).
March 10, 2021
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New West Coast trail provides tourism boost thanks to PDU funding
The first stage of the West Coast’s newest cycling and walking trail is opening on Sunday 6 December 2020 with a major community celebration.
December 7, 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.
November 20, 2020
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3100 jobs created through marae upgrades
Over 350 marae throughout the country will be upgraded with a $95.6 million investment from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) to create jobs and put money into the pockets of local tradespeople and businesses.
October 12, 2020
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Government backs Reefton Distillery expansion
A West Coast distillery is benefitting from a Provincial Growth Fund loan allowing it to expand its operations and create jobs in the town of Reefton, the Minister of Regional Economic Development Shane Jones has announced.
September 30, 2020
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More money to renovate town halls and war memorials
The Provincial Growth Fund is investing just under $12.4 million in the renovation of town halls and war memorials up and down the country.
September 28, 2020
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Hokitika Airport terminal upgrade announcement
The Provincial Growth Fund is investing over $1.24 million in to Hokitika airport.
August 11, 2020
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Provincial Growth Fund almost allocated
The Government's $3 billion Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) has almost been fully allocated.
August 11, 2020
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Kawatiri Coastal Trail begins construction
Construction work is set to begin on the Kawatiri Coastal Trail with the appointment of local contractor, Westreef Services Ltd now confirmed.
July 16, 2020
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PGF supports new visitor experience centres on the West Coast
The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) is investing nearly $18 million in a region wide collaboration to connect the area’s tourist attractions located in Haast, Hokitika, Greymouth and Westport.
June 23, 2020
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$60m for nationwide job creation
The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) is providing $60 million to councils and KiwiRail to create employment for local workers.
June 19, 2020
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Provincial Growth Fund reset helps regional economies
At least $600 million of Provincial Growth Fund money will be used to support regional economies as they recover from COVID-19.
June 3, 2020
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PGF grows Māori economy
Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) support for the Māori economy is expected to have far-reaching effects, a report from the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) has found.
April 28, 2020
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Employment scheme to deliver 90 new jobs
The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) has announced the West Coast region will receive a $2.08 million PGF investment from the Te Ara Mahi allocation to get local people into local jobs.
April 1, 2020
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PGF funding being repurposed to help protect jobs and businesses
The Provincial Development Unit is working across government, business, and industry to protect jobs and businesses as the global economic downturn due to the COVID-19 outbreak continues to impact on our regions.
March 27, 2020
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Land, air and sea: regions to benefit from NZ Upgrade
Regional New Zealand will be a hive of activity in the coming months as the New Zealand Upgrade Programme delivers on its promise to modernise our infrastructure, prepare for climate change and help grow our economy.
February 28, 2020
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NZ Upgrade on South Island roads
Safety and climate change resilience are behind South Island regional roading projects that are being brought forward as part of the New Zealand Upgrade Programme.
February 28, 2020
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NZ Upgrade for West Coast ports and roads
West Coast ports and roads will benefit from an investment of $18.6 million to improve safety and resilience and enable future economic growth.
February 28, 2020
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Whenua Māori funding benefitting communities
Māori landowners and their whānau from all over New Zealand will benefit from an allocation of about $30 million of Provincial Growth Fund funding across 30 applications across the country.
February 11, 2020
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PGF investment in Pacific employment programme reaps rewards
The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) investment of $8.85 million (announced in February last year) to allow the Tupu Aotearoa programme (formerly the Pacific Employment Support Service) to be expanded to the regions is reaping rewards.
January 15, 2020
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Blackwater gold mine gets PGF boost
The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) has approved a $15 million loan to help re-establish a gold mining operation at Blackwater Gold Mine, near Reefton.
December 13, 2019
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TAM-funded Tupu Aotearoa programme encourages growth mindset
Having successfully completed the Tupu Aotearoa programme run by Alignz Recruitment, Fuaifale Tyrell sees things from a very different perspective.
December 4, 2019
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Funding boosts new inventions for Predator Free 2050
Innovation and technology are behind five new tools which will soon be used save native wildlife by removing predators, developed through support from Predator Free 2050 Limited.
November 21, 2019
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Dredging project vital to Greymouth’s expanding fishing industry
The Kawatiri Dredge crossed the Westport bar after dredging Port of Greymouth’s Erua Moana Lagoon – and Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn breathed a huge sigh of relief
July 22, 2019
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Supporting innovative predator control in the regions
Predator Free 2050 Limited will help deliver the New Zealand Government’s ambitious goal of eradicating possums, stoats and rats by 2050 to prevent further loss of our unique taonga species.
May 24, 2019
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Eight regions to receive $14M to expand 3D mapping
Eight Regional Councils, in partnership with their Territorial Authorities and others, have applied for and will receive $14 million of co-funding from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) to obtain, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) elevation datasets.
May 21, 2019
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Improving digital connectivity in the regions
Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones has announced that the Provincial Growth Fund will invest $40 million to improve digital connectivity in the regions.
November 29, 2018
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Provincial Growth Fund invests $140m in the West Coast
The Prime Minister was on the West Coast on Thursday 29 November to announce a $140m package.
November 29, 2018
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Rail and skills the focus of new investment in Manawatū-Whanganui
Regional Economic Development Minister, Shane Jones, has announced a Provincial Growth Fund package worth just over $48.2 million for Manawatū-Whanganui.
November 15, 2018
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Published: Oct 30, 2020