Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Foxton wetland restoration backed by RIF

The restoration and development of Piriharakeke, the river loop at Foxton, will be supported by a grant of up to $3 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.

“Piriharakeke is a waterway of deep significance to local hapū of Ngāti Raukawa and the

Wellington Airport begins northern domestic lounge upgrade


Wellington Airport is kicking off a major upgrade project to its northern domestic lounge tomorrow to create a much improved, modernised and flexible space.

“The new area will have more space and natural light, new bathrooms, new seating and décor, and a new convenience offering,” says Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke.

“The space will be flexible with areas able to switch between domestic and international,

Wellington icons reunite to celebrate Town Hall reopening


The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra – together again for the first time in a decade!

After ten years in ‘deep hibernation’, the much-loved Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra (WIUO) will reassemble for a spectacular show at the newly restored Te Whare Whakarauika Wellington Town Hall on Saturday 20 March 2027.

This special event reunites two treasured Wellington icons, both relishing being back in

Regional radio strengthened for emergencies

The Government is investing in the resilience of independent radio broadcasters to help ensure regional communities can access vital emergency information when electricity, internet or telecommunications services are disrupted.

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Emergency Management and Recovery

Get ready for a summer of weather extremes


Now is a good time for Christchurch and Banks Peninsula residents to get ready for the hot, dry and windy conditions expected in a strong El Niño summer, says Christchurch City Council.

“El Niño increases the risk of damaging

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Government backing iwi-led geothermal potential

Funding for two iwi-led geothermal projects near Rotorua will help build the knowledge needed to better understand the Bay of Plenty’s geothermal potential, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.

The Regional Infrastructure Fund will provide a $3.82 million loan towards the $5.53m Ngāti

Government support for aged care facility

A loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will help fund a much-needed new 24-bed wing at O’Conor Home for senior citizens in Westport, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello say.

“Providing safe, fit-for-purpose facilities for our senior citizens is a marker of a compassionate

Government backing Whale Trail tourism venture

The Government is investing up to $12 million to connect Picton to the Whale Trail cycling and walking track, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston say.

A proposed bridge over SH1 and the main trunk railway, together with the associated trail works, would provide a direct connection between Picton where many walkers and cyclists

Govt nurturing New Zealand’s seed supply chain

Hawke’s Bay’s arable sector is set to benefit from a $3 million Regional Infrastructure Fund loan for a new grower-led seed cleaning, processing and storage facility in Central Hawke’s Bay, Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson says.

“Currently, much of the seed grown in Hawke's Bay that requires specialist cleaning and

Government backs regional airline Air Napier

The Government is continuing its support for regional air services, with Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Transport Minister James Meager announcing an $845,000 loan to Hawke’s Bay airline Air Napier.

The Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) loan will help Air Napier undertake essential upgrades

Government support for Turner Centre upgrade

A Regional Infrastructure Fund grant will be used to modernise Kerikeri’s Turner Centre, helping the Far North town play host to more cultural, community and business events, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.

The grant of up to $3 million will go towards the first stage of a $6.3 million upgrade of the centre’s Plaza and Event Centre.

“This Regional Infrastructure Fund grant will help a remarkable community-built and

RIF grant to help build replacement Tinopai Wharf

The dilapidated and closed Tinopai Wharf on Kaipara Harbour will be replaced with the help of a $1 million grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.

“The wharf at Tinopai has been shut because of structural and safety issues for nearly two

Year 11 Agriculture and Horticultural Science subject announced

Students will be able to study Agriculture and Horticultural Science from Year 11, creating a clear pathway into Years 12 and 13 and future careers in New Zealand's primary industries, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

“Year 11 Agriculture and Horticultural Science will be an optional subject alongside

Rockpool pillagers face infringements soon

People who break new rules aimed at protecting rockpools in and around Auckland and Coromandel will face infringement fees from this month, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

“Last month I announced new protections for Auckland and Coromandel rockpools and intertidal areas to address overharvesting and help restore these important coastal habitats.”

“From November 26, Fishery Officers will be armed with a new tool – the ability to issue

Monday, November 2, 2026

RIF grant to support energy resilience in Far North

A grant of $1.11 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will support a Māori-led initiative to install solar power, battery storage and back-up generators in community facilities in the Far North, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say.

Mr Jones says the investment will strengthen local energy resilience and help maintain

Green light for Rotorua business park intersection

A $3.46 million grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will provide safer access to Rotorua’s Eastgate Business Park from State Highway 30, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Transport Minister Chris Bishop say.

A four-way intersection controlled by traffic lights at the junction of SH30 and Wahanga-A-

Rugby League World Cup: Back your team, play by the rules

NEW ZEALAND, October 30 - Before the starting whistles blow on this weekend’s Rugby League World Cup matches, Police are reminding fans that safety comes first. 

Showcasing support for your side should be done lawfully and with consideration for the entire community, not just your team. 

Superintendent Riki Whiu, Director – Auckland Partnerships says while the majority of

Sunday, November 1, 2026

Christchurch commuter rail pilot to be funded

The Regional Infrastructure Fund will invest in supporting Mainland Rail to return passenger rail services to Christchurch for a 12-month trial and establish the Christchurch-Dunedin-Invercargill Mainlander as a regular service, Rail Minister Winston Peters and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones say.

“New Zealand’s railways began in Christchurch in 1863, and it is time we put them back to

Ōmōkihi’s next chapter starts 1 December


Christchurch, New Zealand - Beckenham’s newly rebuilt library and customer service hub, Ōmōkihi, will officially open its doors at 3pm on Tuesday 1 December.

Christchurch City Council has been rebuilding the earthquake-damaged South Library and Customer Service Hub building, Te Kete Wānanga o wai Mōkihi, since August 2025.

Key dates

30 October: Construction finishes at Ōmōkihi

8 November: The South Colombo Library closes

9 November: Spreydon Library returns to regular hours

1 December: Customer Service Hub at Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre closes

1 December: Ōmōkihi officially reopens at 3pm!

2 December: Regular library and customer service hours start

Learn more at Christchurch City Libraries website.

“Construction has gone really

Darkness takes centre stage in Jason Greig’s Blood is Thicker


Christchurch, New Zealand - 
Dark shadows, werewolves and gothic masterpieces converge at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū this Halloween, when Jason Greig: Blood is Thicker opens on 31 October.

  Exhibition launch party

The Quarter x Dark Arts
Come dance with fellow denizens of the night as you joyfully embrace your dark side.

Friday 30 October | 6.30pm-late
Georgia Knight, The Hex Waves, DJ Kiran Dass, DJ THANKS
Free entry

Developed in partnership by The Dowse Art Museum and City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi, the exhibition brings together paintings and monoprints by

Exciting progress on the City to Sea Pathway as second stage opens


New Zealand - The second stage of the City to Sea Pathway is now ready for the public to enjoy, just in time for the long summer days.

Construction on City to Sea East, which runs between Porritt Park and Anzac Drive (SH74) in Avondale, started in March and was completed earlier this month.

The City to Sea Pathway is a shared walking and cycling path that follows the course of