Regional Infrastructure Fund Fuels Jobs, Resilience, and Growth Across NZ

“Regional New Zealand powers the country and it’s essential the regions are supported to grow and prosper. The Regional Infrastructure Fund does just that,” said Minister Jones.

Major infrastructure investments backed by the Government’s $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) are delivering critical support to regional communities across New Zealand—boosting economic growth, enhancing climate resilience, and creating thousands of local jobs. The fund is fast becoming a central pillar in the country’s effort to develop future-ready infrastructure beyond the main centres.

The latest progress update was delivered by Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston, who jointly praised the fund’s performance in both strengthening infrastructure and empowering local workforces.

“Regional New Zealand powers the country and it’s essential the regions are supported to grow and prosper. The Regional Infrastructure Fund does just that,” said Minister Jones.

Strategic Infrastructure with Long-Term Impact

Since its launch in mid-2024, the RIF has approved and announced $355.6 million worth of projects, with over $862 million in total funding already committed across a diverse range of regional developments. More project approvals are expected in the coming months.

Funded projects are designed to meet critical needs such as:

• Flood resilience

• Water storage

• Renewable energy systems

• Aquaculture and agriculture hubs

• Telecommunications and satellite infrastructure

By focusing on infrastructure, the fund ensures that investments have lasting value while also enabling new industries to take root and grow in the regions.

“Through application criteria that focus on infrastructure, important work such as flood resilience, water storage, and energy are being funded to protect and improve the lives of Kiwis all over the country,” said Minister Jones.

Local Jobs for Local People

A key feature of the RIF is its “locals first” employment policy, which encourages applicants to prioritise hiring New Zealanders—especially residents of the regions where the projects are located. So far, the fund’s approved projects are expected to create over 1,750 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs during their construction phases.

“RIF applicants are expected to prioritise New Zealanders in their workforce planning,” explained Minister Upston. “This ensures local communities benefit directly from the opportunities these projects create.”

The fund is stimulating regional job creation not only in construction and civil engineering, but also in technical and trade roles, with long-term employment opportunities emerging in renewable energy, horticulture, satellite operations, and aquaculture.

Southland: A Case Study in Regional Impact

One standout example is in Southland, where eight projects have received $38.31 million in RIF funding. These include:

• Rakiura Renewable Energy Project

• SpaceOps Satellite Station

• Ocean Beach Aquaculture Centre of Excellence

• Five flood resilience infrastructure upgrades

Together, these projects are projected to create around 180 full-time jobs during the construction phase alone. Once completed, the projects will generate sustained employment in cutting-edge sectors such as aquaculture research, space communications, and clean energy—offering a glimpse of the region’s economic transformation.

A Momentum-Building Investment Strategy

The government sees the RIF as more than just a funding mechanism; it is a catalyst for change, helping unlock regional potential through smart, targeted investments. According to Minister Jones, the fund is “gathering momentum”, with dozens of projects already underway and more set to be approved soon.

“The RIF is delivering well-planned, resilient and enabling infrastructure that will support economic growth, create jobs and make a real difference to our regions,” he said.

As New Zealand continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, regional inequality, and shifting labour markets, the RIF is positioned as a key driver of inclusive and sustainable development, providing not only the tools for regions to thrive—but also the opportunities for people to prosper.