Coasties can look forward to improved infrastructure and economic growth following the Government's announcement of a new framework for Regional Deals.

Local Government Minister Simeon Brown revealed the initiative, aiming to strengthen collaboration between central and local governments to tackle New Zealand’s infrastructure challenges.

According to Minister Brown, New Zealand is currently facing significant infrastructure deficits, with issues ranging from bursting water pipes to deteriorating roads and a lack of housing.

"With a growing population, it is critically important we are delivering the long-term infrastructure we need for growth in our cities and regions," he stated.

The Regional Deals initiative is part of the National-ACT coalition agreement, which seeks to rebuild the economy and address these pressing infrastructure concerns.

Drawing inspiration from successful models in the UK and Australia, these deals are expected to foster long-term collaboration and investment, focusing on economic growth and improving the supply of affordable, quality housing.

Minister Brown emphasised that the deals would not only coordinate capital investment between different levels of government but also offer regions the opportunity to explore new and existing funding tools.

The aim is to deliver resilient infrastructure that supports sustained economic productivity.

The Government plans to implement the Regional Deals in a phased manner, initially inviting up to five regions to submit basic proposals for consideration.

Minister Brown was clear in his expectations: "We are not interested in seeing ratepayers’ money spent on extravagant proposal documents."

The first of these Regional Deals is expected to be finalised by 2025, setting the stage for a transformative approach to regional development across New Zealand.