Hon Stuart Nash

South Island tourism regions most impacted by the absence of international tourists are getting support to gear up for the return of visitors with a special “kick-start” fund.

A new tourism marketing campaign launches in Australia this week to build demand for travel to New Zealand, as we prepare to open borders to our first international visitors.

Workforce pressures in the advanced manufacturing sector are to be eased with the approval of spaces for 100 critical workers to enter under a special immigration arrangement.

Two new winter festivals in the lower South Island are getting government backing through an annual fund that supports start-up events to become internationally significant.

A new proposal to better manage carbon farming could see future permanent plantings of exotic forests like radiata pine excluded from the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

The government is stepping in to support local communities build up tourism facilities through a new funding round with a special focus on Matariki commemorations.

The Government will invest in world-leading lithium recovery technology with potential to strengthen our geothermal energy and advanced manufacturing sectors, and contribute to a lower carbon future.

A thirty year project to construct the Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangarei will be realised with its public opening today. 

The Events Transition Support Payment scheme (ETSP), will be extended to 31 January 2023 and expanded to include business events, Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash announced today.

A remote Far North marae has become the 500^th regional economic development project completed with Crown investment from the PGF and other funds.

Latest research into our premium ice cream industry suggests exporters could find new buyers in valuable overseas markets as consumers increasingly look for tip top quality in food.

The government has launched a review of the way it funds parts of the film and television industry to ensure the screen sector has a more secure long-term future.

New Zealand has secured a four year deal to bring the new high-tech global sailing competition SailGP to our shores.

New investment will keep the best of New Zealand’s cycle trails in top condition as regions prepare to welcome back Kiwi visitors over summer and international tourists from next year.

A new support package will help revive economic, social and cultural activities in our largest city over summer, and ensure those in hardship also get relief.

World class mobile and broadband services have been switched on for the 663 residents of the Chatham Islands.

Tougher freedom camping laws will be introduced to prevent abuse which has placed an unfair burden on small communities and damaged our reputation as a high quality visitor destination.

A brand new tourism attraction launched in the Canterbury high country is designed to transform the regional economy from seasonal peaks and troughs of past visitor trends.

Skills shortages and career progression in the tourism and hospitality sector are the first priorities of the new Industry Transformation Plan being drawn up for tourism.

The Government is rolling out its plan for a carbon neutral public sector by 2025 by requiring that all new non-residential government buildings are climate friendly.

Some of the lowest paid workers in government will be moved to the living wage, with a direction to extend it to contractors in the cleaning, catering and security guard sectors.

New financial support will give organisers of large summer festivals greater certainty to proceed, with the government to shoulder the lion’s share of risk during planning stages.

Government investment in regional economic development projects has passed a $2 billion milestone as support for jobs, businesses and infrastructure steps up a gear.

The Government will boost payments to businesses affected by higher alert levels as the country transitions to the new COVID-19 Protection Framework.