Northland Proposes Ambitious Regional Deal to Unlock Economic Potential

Details of the Northland Regional Deal application have been made public, following the submission to central government on 28 February 2025.

The proposed Regional Deal is projected to increase Northland’s GDP by $977 million, create over 6,000 new jobs, and boost exports by $877 million. This will increase business and household income and reduce unemployment, ensuring a better quality of life for all Northlanders.

Enabling the drastic injection into the Northland economy requires enhanced educational and workplace development, housing availability, supporting infrastructure and healthcare services, outlined within the application.

The plan is ambitious yet achievable says John Vujcich, Chair of the Joint Regional Economic Development Committee and Far North District Councillor.

“The development opportunities identified within the Northland Regional Deal proposal have the potential to double Northland's economic production, an ambitious aim. The proposal underscores a unified commitment from Northland’s Councils to work collectively, building on established partnerships and governance structures to ensure we can meet long-term goals for the good of the region.”

The plan aims to harness Northland's unique strengths and drive sustainable economic growth, with four key sectors identified to drive future growth. These are:

• Future Energy: Leveraging Northland’s position as an energy hub to transition to renewable energy sources and enhance energy security.
• Marine Manufacturing: Supporting the Northport Vision for Growth, floating dry dock, and the development of a sustainable inshore fishing fleet.
• Primary Industries: Increasing returns across the primary sector through value-add, processing, product development targeted at high-value markets, innovation, training and education, enabled through supportive legislation. Development of new and fledgling opportunities such as in aquaculture and horticulture.
• Visitor Economy: Investing in quality visitor accommodation and cultural experiences to boost tourism.

Says Vujcich:

“Smarter investment is crucial for Northland's growth, and collaboration with central government is essential to provide a healthy economic, social, and physical environment we can pass on to future generations. By aligning regional and national economic priorities, the Northland proposal can ensure long-term, sustainable growth for Northland, as well as New Zealand.”

Each sector is supported by critical infrastructure investments to facilitate growth. To fully realise Northland’s potential, the proposal seeks:

• Infrastructure Investment: Prioritising upgrades to roads, rail, and ports to improve connectivity with Auckland and export markets.
• Policy & Legislative Support: Streamlining regulations to enable faster development and investment.
• Co-Investment in Key Growth Projects: Partnering with the private sector and local councils to accelerate initiatives that will drive job creation, GDP growth, and export expansion.

Paul Linton, Chief Executive of Northland Inc says:

“Northland has a strong track record of collaboration with government, Māori, and industry, as demonstrated in previous successful regional initiatives. This proposal represents a regionally enabled, centrally supported partnership to create lasting economic transformation. The region is ready to act, with governance, projects, and private sector support already in place – we just need central government to capitalise on the opportunity that the Northland region presents to them.

Our regional deal offers solutions for both Auckland and New Zealand in many areas, but especially energy resilience, marine manufacturing, food security, and tourism”.

The Northland Light-Touch Regional Deal Proposal is available on the following page of our website – www.northlandnz.com/northland-regional-deal