Recent news and announcements from Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit.
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First Regional Infrastructure Fund co-investments confirmed
Flood resilience projects protecting communities across the regions could get started as early as this year, with the first tranche of project funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) now confirmed.
27 August, 2024
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Kaingaroa Community Development Project
The $11.1 million Kaingaroa Village Community Development Project accelerated the implementation of the Kaingaroa Village Community Development Plan by providing funding for essential infrastructure and facilities.
24 July, 2024
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Revitalising wellness – the QE Health transformation
In the heart of Rotorua lies a hub of healing and wellness, Queen Elizabeth (QE) Health.
7 June, 2024
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Karakia marks formal opening of suspension bridge on Taranaki Maunga
A karakia and blessing by Ngāti Ruanui marked the formal opening of the suspension bridge over the Manganui Gorge, one of the most striking features of the Taranaki Crossing project on Taranaki Maunga.
28 May, 2024
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Innovative locally-designed ‘zoo labs’ helping save Mahoenui Giant Wētā
A $2 million grant from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund administered by Kānoa – Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit (Kānoa – RD) has enabled Waikato’s Ōtorohanga Kiwi House to complete and open innovative, locally-designed ‘zoo labs
15 May, 2024
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Kōpū Marine Servicing and Business Precinct to grow jobs and exports
A new marine servicing and business precinct at Kōpū near Thames will boost the Coromandel Peninsula’s aquaculture footprint.
7 May, 2024
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Construction work on Rotorua Museum to get underway in June
Construction on Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa will start in June this year following confirmation of the final piece of project funding.
30 April, 2024
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Crown receiver opens EOI process for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts’ Whakapapa assets
Calibre Partners, the Crown-appointed receivers for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL), is seeking expressions of interest in acquiring the business and assets of the Whakapapa ski field.
12 April, 2024
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Murupara - Work for Life Centre and Regional Digital Hub
Limited education and training and a long history of limited employment opportunities in Murupara has presented its challenges. Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa Trust is determined to turn things around for their community.
12 April, 2024
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PGF loan borrower to expand waste-to-bioenergy operations
Ecogas, a Provincial Growth Fund loan recipient, has secured a contract to build a food waste-to-bioenergy facility with Christchurch City Council.
20 December, 2023
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New fish-friendly pumps of megalodon proportions
Waikato Regional Council is preparing to build fish-friendly upgrades of the pump stations in the Aka Aka and Churchill East drainage areas, thanks to grant funding of $4.48 million from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund administered by Kānoa Region
29 November, 2023
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Taranaki Crossing progresses as construction begins on Manganui Bridge
On Wednesday, 1 November Ngāti Ruanui representatives joined Kānoa and Department of Conservation (DOC) staff on Taranaki Maunga to bless the site of Manganui Bridge on the first day of construction.
3 November, 2023
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Ōpōtiki Harbour Development Project wins big at Economic Development NZ Awards
The Ōpōtiki Harbour Development Project, a transformative project aimed at revitalising the Ōpōtiki community, garnered 2 awards at the Economic Development New Zealand (EDNZ) Awards held last night: the Inclusive Well Being Award and the Overall Supreme
27 October, 2023
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Crown receiver appointed for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) has been placed into Crown-appointed receivership.
27 October, 2023
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Continued Crown support for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
The Government has agreed to provide further funding for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited (RAL) to support the pathway forward for Mt Ruapehu’s skiing operations, jobs and regional economy in the immediate future.
6 October, 2023
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Port Tarakohe moves forward with $6 million government loan
After many years of planning, the first phase of the development for Port Tarakohe has been given a boost with Regional Economic Development Ministers approving a $6 million concessionary loan in agreement with Tasman District Council.
6 October, 2023
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Further investement in Te Tai Tokerau water storage
Regional Economic Development Ministers have approved a $3.342 million loan from the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund (RSPF) to develop another water storage facility in Te Tai Tokerau.
6 October, 2023
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Support to regional agriculture following Cyclone Gabrielle
Find out how the Government is supporting growers throughout Gisborne/Tairāwhiti. This supports the region after the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle. These loans are being delivered via the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund.
28 September, 2023
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Funding boost for low carbon concrete
A $750,000 Regional Strategic Partnership Fund loan will help scale up Neocrete to help bring their carbon neutral concrete to wider markets, both domestic and international.
26 September, 2023
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Kānoa-funding projects open in Otago, enabling further regional growth
Two Otago landmarks worth more than $33 million officially opened today, heralding further economic development for the region’s tourism and wider community.
25 August, 2023
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NIWE Primary Producer Finance Scheme open for applications
Land-based primary producers severely impacted by the North Island Weather Events (NIWE) in early 2023, including Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary Weekend flooding, can now apply for the NIWE Primary Producer Finance Scheme.
18 August, 2023
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Investment in our regional economies continues
The Government is continuing to invest in our regional economies as part of an ongoing strategy to develop these areas to become more productive, resilient, inclusive and sustainable.
8 August, 2023
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Studies confirm Kānoa-managed investments had positive impacts for sectors and communities
Independent impact studies of Kānoa - Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit-managed investments into specific regions and sectors have found positive economic, business, and community impacts due to the funding.
25 July, 2023
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20 year vision comes to light with National Wildlife Centre's new whare wānanga
Te Wānanga Taiao, a new 916-square-metre facility designed primarily as an education centre for the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, was formally blessed and opened in July.
24 July, 2023
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Water volatility highlights need to build Hawke's Bay water security
As Hawke’s Bay works to recover from Cyclone Gabrielle and its wettest recorded year, a new report finds that, as the region plans for how to manage too much water, it also needs to consider how to build resilience to not having enough.
30 June, 2023
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Raglan residents enjoying new and improved Whaaingaroa Wharf
Raglan residents got their first chance to test out improvements at the Whaaingaroa wharf this month, including a newly constructed pontoon, kayak ramp and eastern walkway.
29 June, 2023
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Unlocking Rotorua's industrial potential
The Government is supporting the development of 13 hectares of Māori freehold land into an industrial park in Rotorua, Bay of Plenty with a $6 million loan from the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund.
15 June, 2023
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Te Whare Hononga, a place for peace and understanding, opens in Taranaki
A new whare (house) that creates a space to bring the Taranaki Cathedral community and mana whenua together and establish the Sir Paul Reeves Centre, officially opened with a dawn blessing in Ngāmotu New Plymouth today.
13 April, 2023
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Investment into film, food and beverage sectors in Central Otago
The Government is continuing to invest in projects in Central Otago Districts as part of an ongoing strategy to develop alternative industries which are not tourism focused.
5 April, 2023
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James Cumming Community Centre and Library opened in Gore
On Friday, 24 March, Minister of Regional Development, Kiri Allan was in Gore to celebrate the opening of the James Cumming Community Centre and Library.
5 April, 2023
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Taupō projects strengthen regional resilience
Community-led projects that will strengthen economic resilience in Taupō and the wider region have been completed with the support of a $29 million Government investment.
16 March, 2023
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Taupō projects strengthen regional resilience
Community-led projects that will strengthen economic resilience in Taupō and the wider region have been completed with the support of a $29 million Government investment.
16 March, 2023
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K’aute Pasifika Village opens in the heart of Kirikiriroa Hamilton
Over 1500 people from across Aotearoa and the broader Pacific Region gathered to celebrate the momentous opening of the first stage of K’aute Pasifika’s Village, in Kirikiriroa Hamilton.
18 January, 2023
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Lakes District Museum ready for tourist season
The Lakes District Museum in Arrowtown was officially reopened on Friday, 9 December after a lengthy restoration process.
16 December, 2022
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Investing in Tairāwhiti Gisborne’s future
Minister of Economic and Regional Development Stuart Nash was in Tairāwhiti Gisborne where he announced two successful recipients from the Government’s $200 million Regional Strategic Partnership Fund.
16 December, 2022
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Investing in Tairāwhiti Gisborne’s future
Minister of Economic and Regional Development Stuart Nash was in Tairāwhiti Gisborne where he announced two successful recipients from the Government’s $200 million Regional Strategic Partnership Fund.
14 December, 2022
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Walkway project powered by partnerships
Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash has opened the Te Aratia Walkway, a new 24km loop walking track on the Māhia Peninsula in Hawke’s Bay.
14 December, 2022
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Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Life Pass Holders surveyed on willingness to support new entity
Kānoa - RDU has today asked the Voluntary Administrators of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) to formally survey the approximately 14,500 Life Pass Holders to gauge their willingness to financially support a proposal for a new entity.
18 November, 2022
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Funding set to expand deep dive marine work
A $700,000 Regional Strategic Partnership Fund hyperlink loan for specialist scientific diving business, Deep Dive Division, will enable its operations to expand and create 6 new skilled jobs.
10 November, 2022
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Awapuni on track for regional racing boost
A new synthetic track surface at Awapuni Racecourse has set the course for a regional economic boost with a great summer of events now on the cards at the Palmerston North racing centre.
9 November, 2022
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Toitū Builtsmart to deliver homes and jobs to Tairāwhiti
The Toitū Builtsmart Facility in Te Tairāwhiti Gisborne has been officially opened and will deliver over 50 much-needed homes for Tairāwhiti, create 18 direct full-time jobs, while providing a site for Toitū Tairāwhiti Māori trades training.
2 November, 2022
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Historic site of national importance Ōhaeawai opened
The restored battle site at Ōhaeawai, a historically important site in the context of the 1845-46 Northern Land Wars, has been officially opened after undergoing $1.79 million in government backed restorations.
16 October, 2022
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High hopes for New Zealand wine industry
On Thursday 29 September 2022, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern officially opened Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa - New Zealand Wine Centre in Blenheim, a testament to the Government’s high hopes for New Zealand’s wine industry.
7 October, 2022
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Central Hawke’s Bay route transformation delivers reliability and opportunity
A vital roading network that once could only be relied upon to flood during a Central Hawke’s Bay downpour has been transformed, opening economic opportunities for the district’s rural heartland and providing a model for future repairs.
6 October, 2022
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Ruakura Superhub opening heralds stronger economic future
The opening of the Ruakura Superhub is a landmark juncture for the Waikato-Tainui iwi and heralds a stronger economic future of the wider Waikato region.
20 September, 2022
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Taranaki Crossing takes a step forward with visitor centre works
Realising the vision of the Taranaki Crossing project took another step forward this week with the start of on-site works for the North Egmont Visitor Centre within the National Park
12 September, 2022
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Seaweed innovation that leads the world
An innovative $1.5 million project in Paeroa in the Waikato that will likely create the world’s first commercial seaweed-based nanocellulose manufacturing plant is being supported with a $750,000 loan from Kānoa’s Regional Strategic Partnership Fund.
17 August, 2022
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West Coast town rockin'
Reefton may be a small town on the West Coast, but there is nothing small about the aspirations had here.
3 August, 2022
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Oat milk gets the OK from RSPF
Southland's burgeoning oat milk industry is set to make a splash with the Government investing in a new oat milk processing plant near Invercargill.
14 July, 2022
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New Tairua Surf Lifesaving Club ready for summer wave of Coromandel visitors
Locals celebrated in the Coromandel in December at the opening of a new facility for the Tairua Surf Lifesaving Club, ready for a summer wave of visitors.
12 July, 2022
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Ngā Ara Tipuna brings to life the stories of Tamatea
Ngā Ara Tipuna, a history trail sharing the stories of the people of Tamatea – Central Hawke’s Bay, has reached a significant milestone – celebrating the completion of the first phase of this significant cultural heritage project.
1 July, 2022
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CRHL welcomes newly appointed members
Crown Regional Holdings Limited (CRHL) has increased its Board of Directors from three to seven, welcoming Dame Patsy Reddy, Anne-Marie Broughton, Elizabeth Hopkins and Rosie Mercer.
28 June, 2022
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Getting the ball rolling
Whangārei’s innovative Rolling Ball Clock has been set in motion, thanks to the determination of a local group of volunteers and some well-timed funding from Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit.
26 April, 2022
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Hundertwasser Art Centre opens
The stunning new Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery is now open in Whangārei, thanks to funding support from Kānoa – RDU.
23 February, 2022
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Lithium recovery investment gets green light in Taupō
New Zealand’s commitment to creating a lower carbon future has been given a boost with the Government providing $2 million from the new Regional Strategic Partnership Fund to develop world-leading lithium recovery technology near Taupō.
22 February, 2022
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Engineered for success – expansion of innovative engineering youth training programme
An innovative Provincial Growth Fund-backed youth training programme in South Otago is already proving so successful that it's being rolled out across the lower South Island.
11 August, 2021
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Northland's Māori tourism ventures hit the big time
TIME magazine has named Northland and three Provincial Growth Fund supported Māori tourism spots in its latest list of top 100 places to visit.
30 July, 2021
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Major new sports complex for Hawke's Bay thanks to Kānoa – RDU
Work has started on a major new Hawke’s Bay indoor sports complex, thanks to the support of Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit.
23 July, 2021
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New Zealand company leads the way in environmentally friendly lithium extraction
A New Zealand company has successfully developed an environmentally-friendly way of extracting lithium, a valuable metal vital in building electric vehicle batteries.
22 June, 2021
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Major infrastructure project to improve working conditions in northern Hawke’s Bay
Ground has been broken on a new multi-million dollar roading operations hub in Wairoa which will accommodate the workforce of Quality Roading and Services (QRS), the Northern Hawke’s Bay town’s second largest employer.
21 June, 2021
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Tairāwhiti-East Coast benefits from local manufactures partnership with US giant
A family-owned Gisborne composites firm has struck a strategic alliance with US Fortune 500 Company, Owens Corning, in a move which is providing increasing numbers of high-paying jobs for the Tairāwhiti-East Coast region.
10 June, 2021
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More funding to grow our regions – and a new identity for the Provincial Development Unit
A new fund has been created to boost the drive to grow regional economies.
27 May, 2021
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Addressing wool industry skill shortages
Today is the first ‘in-shed’ day for 60 shearers and wool handlers enrolled in an ambitious pilot programme, which aims to plug skill gaps by growing and upskilling New Zealand’s wool industry workforce.
10 May, 2021
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Drive to improve Hawke's Bay water security backed by Provincial Development Unit
The Provincial Development Unit (PDU) is supporting efforts to improve Hawke’s Bay’s water security and the environment with an additional $5 million in funding for the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council to investigate water storage for the Heretaunga Plains.
7 April, 2021
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Water scheme could see homegrown peanut butter
Peanuts and other sub-tropical crops could potentially be grown in Northland thanks to water projects now being built in the region with the backing of the Provincial Development Unit (PDU).
17 March, 2021
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West Coast whitebait farm backed by Provincial Development Unit
An innovative project to farm whitebait on the West Coast is being supported by the Provincial Development Unit (PDU).
10 March, 2021
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Horowhenua businesses connect with local employees
An employment and skills initiative based in Horowhenua celebrated its official launch recently with a group of local employers, educators and community leaders.
3 March, 2021
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Trucking awesome: Manawatū cadet loves his new career
Less than two months into his new job as a truck driver, Ryan Pickering was handed the keys to a brand new, eight tonne concrete truck worth more than $200,000.
2 March, 2021
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River rejuvenation supports Foxton growth
A recently rejuvenated section of the Manawatū River will support Foxton’s regional economic development, while providing environmental and quality of life improvements, says Chief Operating Officer of the Provincial Development Unit (PDU) Ben Dalton.
2 March, 2021
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Funding supports better futures for rangatahi
Three programmes supporting rangatahi who need help overcoming barriers to employment, education and training are receiving a $2.65 million funding boost.
1 March, 2021
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More businesses sign up to Ngawha Innovation Park
Two more businesses are ready to occupy the Provincial Development Unit (PDU) supported Ngawha Innovation and Enterprise Park near Kaikohe in Northland, which will boost innovative primary sector businesses and create local jobs.
16 February, 2021
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Bright future for young farmers in Hawke's Bay and Taihape
January marked the start of a new training journey for 50 students in the Growing Future Farmers (GFF) programme, one that could set them up with a career for life.
4 February, 2021
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Wairoa gets online with a new regional digital hub
One of New Zealand’s least digitally connected regions is getting online with a new digital hub built with funding through the Provincial Development Unit (PDU).
3 February, 2021
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More than $4.3m to boost rangatahi success
Seven community programmes are receiving more than $4.3 million funding boost from the government’s He Poutama Rangatahi initiative.
2 February, 2021
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Economic boost to upgrade Southland marae
The government is investing $9 million to upgrade a significant community facility in Invercargill, providing the wider Southland region with an economic stimulus and jobs.
28 January, 2021
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All three digital hubs up and running
The launch of the Digital Spaces hub in Woodville marks the opening of three digital hubs for the Manawatū-Whanganui region.
27 January, 2021
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Better bridges and jobs for Wairoa
Jobs are being created and Wairoa’s bridges are being strengthened to handle heavy trucks thanks to $2.2 million dollars funding from the Provincial Development Unit, or PDU.
21 January, 2021
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Ngāti Pūkenga grows jobs, culture, environment through kiwifruit
Descendants of Ngāti Pūkenga have just celebrated the start of a project that is set to grow the potential of their land and iwi.
21 January, 2021
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Worker redeployment exceeds employment targets in Northland
The successful Northland worker redeployment scheme has exceeded its target and employed just under 270 people – many of who will continue to be employed into the New Year.
19 January, 2021
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Community effort — Te Awa River Path reopens
Hamilton locals are celebrating the reopening of a popular cycleway in the Waikato region, which has undergone remediation work thanks to a funding package administered by the Provincial Development Unit (PDU).
19 January, 2021
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Tukituki cycle trail extension
Work has started to nearly double the length of a popular existing Central Hawke’s Bay walk and cycle way.
14 December, 2020
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Horowhenua work-ready from the Get-Go
An innovative career pathway programme in the Horowhenua district is taking students on employment experience adventures with inspiring local businesses.
11 December, 2020
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Breaking ground for Pasifika in Waikato
Pasifika communities in Waikato came together on Saturday for a ground-breaking ceremony at the site of the new Pan Pacific Community Hub.
11 December, 2020
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Open for business — Dunedin skills hub launches
More than 1500 people in the Otago region will benefit from a newly opened job and skills hub says Mark Cartwright, general manager of Workforce Central Dunedin.
9 December, 2020
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Provincial Development Unit helps bring heart back to Invercargill CBD
The Provincial Development Unit (PDU) is proud to help bring the heart back to Invercargill’s inner city with the official sod turning at the long-awaited city centre development.
8 December, 2020
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New West Coast trail provides tourism boost thanks to PDU funding
The first stage of the West Coast’s newest cycling and walking trail is opening on Sunday 6 December 2020 with a major community celebration.
7 December, 2020
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Provincial Development Unit taps into growing gaming industry
The Provincial Development Unit (PDU) supported New Zealand Centre of Digital Excellence’s (CODE) first contestable funding round, will allocate close to $450,000 to Dunedin-based game developers to tap into the growing global gaming industry.
2 December, 2020
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Ngāti Rangi supports whānau transformation in Ruapehu
A holistic iwi-owned recruitment service is supporting whānau in Ruapehu to achieve their aspirations, thanks to a $960,000 Te Ara Mahi investment managed by the Provincial Development Unit (PDU).
27 November, 2020
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Online toolkit supports fresh start for rangatahi
Young people around the country will have the chance to grow in confidence and overcome barriers to social connection thanks to the newly launched online toolkit, Timatanga Hou.
23 November, 2020
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Opening of Whangarei’s Camera Obscura welcomed
The Provincial Development Unit (PDU) welcomes the opening of the Camera Obscura interactive sculpture in Whangarei today.
20 November, 2020