Realpolitik!
OPINION: Meanwhile, red blooded Northland politician Matua Shane Jones has provided one of the most telling quotes of the year thus far.
The first of the 15 summits will kick off in Nelson on 12 August.
The summits are designed to 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).
Jones says the Government is focused on strengthening and growing the economy.
“Supporting the regions to prosper is key to achieving this,” Jones says. “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.”
He says the Government 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,” Jones says.
“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,” he adds.
“The summits are an opportunity for discussions with iwi representatives, local government, business leaders and sector organisations,” Jones says.
Organised by Kānoa, the Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit, the summits will take place over the next six to eight months.
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.
Dates
- Top of the South/Te Tauihu (Nelson), Monday August 12
- West Coast (Greymouth), Thursday August 15
- Waikato (Hamilton), Tuesday 3 September
- Tai Tokeru (Kaikohe), Friday 13 September
- Bay of Plenty (Whakatane), Friday 20 September
- Manawatu-Whanganui (Marton), Friday 27 September
- Otago (location TBC), Friday 4 October
- Tairawhiti (Gisborne), Thursday 17 October
- Southland/Murihiku (location TBC), Thursday 14 or Friday 15 November
- Taranaki (location TBC), Friday 22 November
- Hawke’s Bay (Hastings), Friday 6 December
