Government Announces Major Infrastructure Investments to Create Thousands of Jobs
Government Announces Major Infrastructure Investments to Create Thousands of Jobs
In a significant move aimed at boosting the economy and creating employment opportunities, the government has unveiled a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure investment plan. This initiative, announced by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis, and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop, includes a wide range of projects designed to improve transportation, healthcare, education, and more across the country.
Billions in Funding for Major Projects
The government has confirmed that $6 billion in government-funded construction will begin between now and Christmas. This includes new roads, hospitals, schools, high-tech laboratories, and other government buildings. These projects are expected to create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic activity nationwide.
Prime Minister Luxon emphasized the importance of collaboration with the private sector to accelerate project timelines and ensure efficiency. 'We've said look, we've got a choice, we can do it all on our own with our own balance sheet and that would mean that projects get delayed, but we will actually partner with private sector where it makes sense for us to do it,' Luxon said during the announcement.
Minister Nicola Willis added that improving infrastructure is critical to economic growth and addressing the cost of living for New Zealanders. 'Good roads, schools and hospitals help business to move goods and services to market quickly and efficiently, children to learn and doctors and nurses to get patients back on their feet.'
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop highlighted that the projects will create thousands of employment opportunities for New Zealanders. 'Numbers vary according to the nature of projects, but data sourced from the Infrastructure Commission suggests each billion dollars of infrastructure investment per year equates to about 4500 jobs.'
Key Infrastructure Projects
- Road upgrades: Ōtaki to north of Levin expressway, Melling interchange, Waihoehoe Road upgrade, and the new Ōmanawa bridge on SH29.
- Health projects: Upgrades to Auckland City Hospital, Middlemore Hospital, and the construction of a new acute mental health unit at Hutt Valley Hospital.
- School property improvements: Nearly $800 million in school upgrades will be underway before the end of the year.
- Government buildings: A new biosecurity facility in Auckland and the Papakura District Court interim courthouse are also set to begin construction.
Minister Bishop also noted that this is just the beginning. The National Infrastructure Pipeline, managed by the Infrastructure Commission, now shows planned future projects totaling $207 billion across central government, local government, and the private sector.
Economic Growth and Future Plans
Alongside the infrastructure update, Nicola Willis released an update on the government’s Infrastructure for Growth work programme. This initiative is the first refresh of the Going for Growth agenda launched in February, which aims to drive economic growth by supporting business, improving infrastructure, and removing barriers to innovation.
These projects are not only about physical development but also about setting the stage for long-term economic prosperity. The government's approach combines public investment with private sector collaboration to ensure efficiency, speed, and sustainability in infrastructure development.
As the projects get underway, the focus will be on delivering high-quality infrastructure that supports communities, boosts productivity, and creates lasting opportunities for New Zealanders.
