Shane Jones Announces Nationwide Summits to Boost Regional Growth

“The summits are an opportunity for discussions with iwi representatives, local government, business leaders, and sector organizations,” Mr. Jones added.

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones will host a series of nationwide summits to discuss regional priorities, aspirations, and opportunities, starting in Nelson on August 12.

These 15 summits will facilitate discussions on advancing regional economic growth and exploring opportunities to enhance 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,” said Mr. Jones.

He emphasized the importance of regions identifying their own priorities to leverage existing opportunities, investments, and strategies, and to bolster the ambitions of local communities. The summits aim to align central government and regional priorities, maximize the impacts of strategic investments, and foster collaboration.

“The summits are an opportunity for discussions with iwi representatives, local government, business leaders, and sector organizations,” Mr. Jones added.

Organized by Kānoa, the Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit, the summits will occur over the next six to eight months.