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| Minister of Regional Economic Development (New Zealand) | |
|---|---|
| Post | Minister of Regional Economic Development |
| Body | New Zealand |
| Department | Regional Economic Development |
| Style | The Honourable |
| Reports to | Prime Minister of New Zealand |
| Appointer | Governor-General of New Zealand |
| Formation | 2017 |
| First | Shane Jones |
Minister of Regional Economic Development (New Zealand) is a ministerial portfolio in the New Zealand Cabinet charged with promoting economic growth, resilience and investment in regions across Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, and other territorial areas. The role coordinates between central agencies such as the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, regional bodies including Local Government New Zealand and development entities like the Provincial Growth Fund. The portfolio links to broader national strategies championed by successive prime ministers including Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins, and Jacinda Ardern's predecessors.
The minister oversees regional development strategy, investment allocation, and inter-agency coordination with entities such as the Treasury (New Zealand), Te Puni Kōkiri, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, and the Department of Internal Affairs. Responsibilities include directing funds via mechanisms like the Provincial Growth Fund and partnering with organisations such as Regional Development Australia-style counterparts, iwi authorities like Ngāi Tahu, and councils including the Auckland Council, Christchurch City Council, and Waikato Regional Council. The minister must advise the Prime Minister of New Zealand, prepare Cabinet papers for the Cabinet of New Zealand, and liaise with Members of Parliament across parties such as the Labour Party (New Zealand), National Party (New Zealand), and Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand.
The portfolio was created in 2017 under the premiership of Bill English's successor administration to concentrate on regional disparities highlighted by reports from the Productivity Commission (New Zealand), analyses by the OECD, and submissions from organisations including Federated Farmers of New Zealand and BusinessNZ. The inaugural minister, Shane Jones, shaped early work through initiatives linked to the Provincial Growth Fund and partnerships with provincial leaders such as members of Mayors Taskforce for Jobs and chairs of regional economic development agencies like Growth Waikato and Venture Taranaki. Over successive terms, the portfolio adapted in response to events including the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings, and the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand, working with entities like Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and Māori Development institutions such as Te Puni Kōkiri.
Ministers have come from several political backgrounds, reflecting shifts in administrations. Notable holders include Shane Jones (inaugural), ministers from the Labour Party (New Zealand) and coalition partners, and cabinet reshuffles involving figures linked to portfolios such as Economic Development (New Zealand), Tourism (New Zealand), and Transport (New Zealand). The office has been held alongside other portfolios at times, creating linkages to ministers like the Minister of Finance (New Zealand), Minister for Regional Development and Local Government (United Kingdom), and comparable international counterparts in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Ministers engaged with regional leadership including mayors such as Phil Goff, Lianne Dalziel, and Garry Moore.
The minister works through multiple agencies: the Provincial Growth Fund for grants and capital projects, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment for policy, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise for investment attraction, and local bodies including Regional Development Agencies such as Poutama Trust and Taranaki 2050. Collaboration extends to Crown research institutes like AgResearch and NIWA, tertiary institutions such as University of Auckland and University of Canterbury, and Māori organisations including Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Kāi Tahu Development Corporation. The minister also interfaces with infrastructure bodies like Transpower and KiwiRail for regionally-significant projects.
Key initiatives have included targeted funding rounds through the Provincial Growth Fund, regional workforce development programmes linked to the Tertiary Education Commission, and sectoral strategies for industries such as Agriculture in New Zealand, Tourism (New Zealand), and renewable energy projects involving Contact Energy and Meridian Energy. Programs often aimed to boost productivity in areas identified by the Productivity Commission (New Zealand) and to support post-disaster recovery as seen after the 2010 Canterbury earthquake. Initiatives also promoted Māori economic development via partnerships with iwi entities like Ngāti Porou and Ngāi Tūhoe and investment in provincial infrastructure involving councils such as Hawke's Bay Regional Council.
The portfolio has attracted scrutiny over allocation decisions, transparency, and outcomes. Critics from groups such as Taxpayers' Union and opposition parties including the National Party (New Zealand) questioned the criteria used for funding via the Provincial Growth Fund, citing concerns echoed by analysts from the Institute of Policy Studies and commentators in outlets like The New Zealand Herald and Stuff.co.nz. Controversies involved perceived political favouritism in project selection, the effectiveness of interventions measured against metrics from the Treasury (New Zealand), and debates over the balance between centralised oversight and regional autonomy advocated by Local Government New Zealand. Audits and reviews by bodies such as the Office of the Auditor-General (New Zealand) and parliamentary select committees prompted recommendations for improved governance, reporting, and evaluation frameworks.
Category:New Zealand ministers