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]
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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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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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).
10 March, 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.
7 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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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.
12 October, 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.
30 September, 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.
23 June, 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.
19 June, 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.
3 June, 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.
28 April, 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.
1 April, 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.
27 March, 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.
28 February, 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.
28 February, 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.
28 February, 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.
11 February, 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.
15 January, 2020
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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.
4 December, 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
22 July, 2019
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Published: 30 October, 2020