Hon Shane Jones
Minister for Regional Development
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones will hold a series of nationwide summits to discuss regional priorities,
aspirations and opportunities, with the first kicking off in Nelson on August 12.
The 15 summits will facilitate conversations about progressing regional economic growth and opportunities to drive
productivity, prosperity and resilience through the Coalition Government’s recently launched Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF).
“The Government is focused on strengthening and growing our economy. Supporting the regions to prosper is key to
achieving this. Through the RIF, we are looking to invest and co-invest in resilience infrastructure that improves
regions’ ability to absorb, adapt and respond to stresses and shocks. We will also invest in projects that support
growth through well-connected and productive regions.
“We are looking to the regions to identify their priorities themselves, to leverage existing opportunities, investment
and strategies, and bolster the ambitions of local communities. This starts with conversations about central government
and regional priorities and where they align, how we maximise the impacts of strategic investment and where we can work
together.
“The summits are an opportunity for discussions with iwi representatives, local government, business leaders and sector
organisations,” Mr Jones says.
Organised by Kānoa, the Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit, the summits will take place over the next six
to eight months.DatesRegional Growth Summit (Location) Monday August 12Top of the South/Te Tauihu (Nelson)Thursday August 15West Coast (Greymouth)Tuesday 3 SeptemberWaikato (Hamilton)Friday 13 SeptemberTai Tokerau (Kaikohe)Friday 20 SeptemberBay Of Plenty (Whakatane)Friday 27 SeptemberManawatu-Whanganui (Marton)Friday 4 OctoberOatgo (location TBC)Thursday 17 OctoberTairawhiti (Gisborne)Thursday 14 or Friday 15 NovemberSouthland/Murihiku (location TBC)Friday 22 NovemberTaranaki (location TBC)Friday 6 DecemberHawke's Bay (Hastlings)
Regional summits in Canterbury, Wairarapa, Kāpiti and Chatham Islands are still being finalised with dates in early 2025
to be confirmed.
More information about the RIF, including details about eligibility criteria and the application process, can also be
found on the Grow Regions website.