Building and Construction

Transforming regions: Funding Opportunities with the new Regional Infrastructure Fund

The new $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) is open for applications. The RIF aims to improve New Zealand’s economy by investing in both new and existing infrastructure projects focused on enhancing regional growth, resilience, and productivity within the regions.  The RIF presents a crucial opportunity to fund projects that will benefit regional businesses, organisations and communities.

Administered by Kānoa – Regional, Economic Development & Investment Unit (Kānoa), the RIF, in contrast to its predecessors (Provincial Growth Fund and Regional Economic Development fund), primarily offers capital funding through loans and equity investments, with grants available in limited cases.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for consideration for RIF funding, applicants must meet the specified criteria, including aligning with their region’s priorities.

The regional priorities for Bay of Plenty / Te Moana-a-Toi include:

  • Accelerate a globally focused, high-value wood products industry
  • High-value horticulture product delivery
  • Diversifying the Māori economy
  • Driving sustainable aquaculture opportunities
  • Tourism and logistics

The regional priorities for Waikato include:

  • Logistics and distribution
  • Sustainable food and agriculture / land use
  • High value manufacturing
  • Technology, digital, and I.C.T
  • Energy and sustainability
  • Tourism

The early focus areas of the RIF will include flood resilience and Māori economic development. While certain types of projects are not eligible for RIF support, it is good to see that rural community-owned water assets and water assets linked to RIF projects which are not “business as usual” remain eligible.

Need Assistance?

With applications now open for RFI support, if you are considering applying and would like assistance, reach out to our Commercial Team. We have plenty of experience in accessing funding from Kānoa and assisting clients through this process.

Contact James Dow or La Toya Waho for more information.

La Toya Waho

Share
Published by
La Toya Waho

Recent Posts

Court of Appeal decision: what happens when builders go bankrupt and leave homes unfinished?

In a recent case, the New Zealand Court of Appeal in Francis v Gross made…

1 day ago

Key takeaways from recent ‘reckless trading’ judgement

Insights on reckless trading and director liability: a recent High Court case A recent High…

1 day ago

The Court of Appeal finds Uber drivers are employees

Uber drivers classified as employees: Court of Appeal dismisses Uber's appeal The Court of Appeal…

1 week ago

Congratulations Brooke Courtney Elite Women 2024

Congratulations to Brooke Courtney, named as one of NZ Lawyer’s Elite Women of 2024 We…

3 weeks ago

Sharp Tudhope welcomes Special Counsel Tanya Drummond

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Tanya Drummond as Special Counsel, a strategic…

3 weeks ago

Preference Shares Explained: What They Mean for Startups and Investors

Investing in an early-stage startup is inherently high risk. One way investors seek to reduce…

1 month ago