Government announces first three 'regional deal' contenders

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown with Local Government Minister Simon Watts in the background during the opening of the first stage of the central interceptor wastewater pipe. (Image: Supplied)

Oliver Lewis

Wed, 02 Jul 2025

The Government wants local authorities interested in city and regional deals to consider asset recycling and targeted rates, among other funding tools.On Wednesday, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Local Government Minister Simon Watts announced the Government had entered into memorandums of understanding (MOU) with the Auckland Council, the Otago Central Lakes region – comprising Queenstown Lakes District, Central Otago District and Otago Regional councils – and the Western Bay of Plenty region, comprising Tauranga City, We...

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