Government announces infrastructure spending projects

Roads, rail, schools and hospitals will be built and upgraded across the country under the $12 billion New Zealand Upgrade Programme.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to invest in New Zealand – modernising our infrastructure, preparing for climate change and helping grow the economy."

“It makes sense to do this now because we’ve managed the books wisely and have historically low-interest rates, which makes our programme affordable,”Jacinda Ardern says.

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says the programme is the largest investment in infrastructure in decades.

“We have a vision for our country and we are investing in making that vision a reality,” Winston Peters says.

“The upgrade programme also includes a serious investment in the regions, which we will be announcing more detail about in the near future.”

Climate Change Minister James Shaw says that in the wake of the Government’s Zero Carbon Act passing unopposed last year, the clean energy announcements are an important step in getting the government’s own house in order.

“Every community can be part of the solution to climate change and creating a better future for our kids and grandkids. Our plan to help important local places like hospitals, schools and other public organisations switch to clean, climate-friendly ways of keeping people warm and the lights on is a big part of that.