Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The government has revealed 10 projects set to collectively benefit from $24 million out of its regional investment fund.
Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan annoucned the funding - a mix of grants and loans - on Thursday.
It brings spending from the $200m Regional Strategic Partnership Fund and similar funds to $3.2b since Labour came into government.
"These investments will help accelerate business developments and advance work and training opportunities, adding to the vibrancy and appeal of our regions," Allan said.
The projects include:
- $1.74m loan for development of Te Uri o Hau Avocado Orchard, growing hass avocados near Te Kōpuru, south of Dargaville in Northland
- $1.1mm loan for a new geothermal energy uplink, providing cleaner energy for manufacturing fertiliser
- $3m for South Waikato District Council towards the $20m Maraetai Road Intermodal Business Park development in Tokoroa
- $4m loan for development and construction of He Ahi, a 45-hectare industrial estate with geothermal process heat options north of Taupō
- $4m loan for Judds Composting to build an aeration facility, expanding types of waste taken from around Gisborne
- $2m for bbi Wood Products and Tumu Group, for training and employment programmes alongside the Building Futures programme for disadvantaged young people
- $3.5m loan for Ngāti Pāhauwera to develop a 60-hectare commercial apple orchard near Wairoa
- $2m loan for 26 Seasons Limited's indoor hydroponics horticulture project near Foxton
- $2.5m loan for SnapIT to scale up. The company sets up New Zealand-designed livestreaming cameras for monitoring in industrial settings, backed by AI-based detection
- $500,000 grant for redevelopment of the Fraser Park in South Canterbury