Central and local governments working together to improve housing and infrastructure

The City and Regional Deals initiative is now into the assessment stage to determine which regions will be the first to progress towards a deal.

Councils were asked to work together to form regions and to outline how a deal of up to five priority projects would unlock economic growth in their area. Regions had until the end of February to submit their proposals to the Department of Internal Affairs.

Deals make use of existing resources rather than relying solely on new funding, with central and local governments aligning their budget cycles and investment strategies to ensure resources are used effectively.

The City and Regional Deals initiative has three primary objectives:

• Build economic growth.
• Deliver connected and resilient infrastructure.
• Improve the supply of affordable, quality housing.

For that third and final objective, two outcomes are being targeted:

• Increased supply of build-ready land (both greenfield and brownfield), including ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place for development.
• Improved housing affordability for rental and home ownership.

Deals aim to deliver long-term infrastructure to support growth

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop said one way in which City and Regional Deals would drive growth would be by reducing New Zealand's “massive infrastructure deficit”.

“Water pipes are bursting, roads have been falling apart and there simply aren’t enough houses,” he said. 

“With a growing population, it is critically important we are delivering the long-term infrastructure we need for growth. City and Regional Deals is designed to help reduce New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit through unlocking productivity, attracting investment and improving connectivity across the country. 

“Delivering a joint long-term vision for regions will ensure they remain focused on delivering what matters most to ratepayers, including critical infrastructure like housing and transport.”