Regional Development Minister, Shane Jones says the Government’s drive for regional economic growth through the $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund is on track, with more than $550 million in funding so far committed to key infrastructure projects.
The Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) has received more than 250 applications.
“Approved investments align with the Government’s focus areas of enabling growth and water storage, supporting energy generation and Māori economic development, and increasing resilience,” Mr Jones says.
“The Government is committed to boosting the economy by prioritising spending through the RIF to areas that deliver the best impact regionally. While the eligibility criteria are tight, the breadth of projects already approved are remarkable and I have no doubt they will have significant impacts on regional economies.
“From investment into cutting-edge technology like supercritical geothermal energy to ensuring our regions can better cope with devastating weather events, the RIF is playing an important role in delivering well-planned resilient and enabling infrastructure.”
Mr Jones also today released dates for further regional summits.
“Last year I made it a priority to travel around the country to talk to communities about their regional priorities, and ideas and aspirations for their regions. So far we have held 10 summits, with more than 1200 stakeholders attending. I’m pleased to confirm the remaining four summits for this year,” he said.
| Regional Growth Summit | Date |
|---|---|
| Canterbury | Friday 28 March |
| Chatham Islands | Tuesday 15 April |
| Wairarapa & Kāpiti | Friday 9 May |
| Otago | Friday 16 May |
