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Regions to benefit from the New Zealand Upgrade

Our regions will be a hive of activity in the coming months, as Minister Shane Jones unveiled the first package of regional projects under the New Zealand Upgrade Programme.

From Northland all the way to Southland, we have announced a range of land, air, and sea projects to modernise our infrastructure, enhancing regional connectivity and help grow our economy.

There was significant funding announced to improve major roads across the North Island. The investments are expected to contribute to regional economic development while providing safer roads, safer bridges, and easier to access stopping points.

The South Island also received major investments to improve road safety and to boost climate change resilience. One example is the seawall project which will provide protection against erosion to a section of SH 67 between Granity and Ngakawau.

Ports in the West Coast will receive $8.5 million in funding to help secure the region’s fishing industry and restore the financial sustainability of its ports. The funding will repair the wharves at Jacksons Bay, and install pontoons at Westport and Greymouth.

Fiordland will receive a $13 million investment to improve digital and air connectivity. The project will allow greater internet coverage to the Fiordland community, a separate funding package will address safety concerns at the Milford Aerodrome by resealing the runway, apron and taxiway and providing improved drainage.

Ōpōtiki, in the eastern Bay of Plenty in the North Island, has been given a $79.4 million investment to redevelop their harbour. This initiative will create 1,850 jobs in the region and will transform the town into a major servicing base for aquaculture and other marine-related industries.

We are investing heavily to boost regional connectivity and promote economic growth, emphasizing our commitment to rejuvenate provincial New Zealand. This is the effect of New Zealand First in government, we will make sure that our regions – which form the backbone of our country – will not be forgotten any longer.

Our success relies on the helping hand of our volunteers and the generosity of our supporters. With your help, we can ensure that common-sense is retained in government decision-making.

Authorised by Rt Hon Winston Peters, Parliament Buildings, Molesworth Street, Pipitea, Wellington 6011