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February 03, 2026
Shane Jones: Waitangi Day 2026: Hon Shane Jones on Regional Development and Climate-Hit Communities
Dale Husband
Posted On February 3, 2026
Download AudioAs Waitangi Day 2026 approaches, Hon Shane Jones says regional development must move beyond short-term fixes and deliver lasting stability for Māori communities and regions repeatedly hit by climate-driven disasters.
With responsibility for key regional investment portfolios, Jones’ presence at Waitangi will be closely watched as communities seek assurance that rebuilding efforts will honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi, strengthen infrastructure, and support whānau still dealing with the impacts of storms, flooding, and economic disruption.
Jones says his core message this Waitangi Day is that regional development must actively support Māori communities facing ongoing climate impacts – not simply repair damage and move on.
He says climate resilience is now inseparable from economic development, particularly in regions where Māori make up a significant proportion of the population.
Jones points to projects such as the Northland native forest restoration track and the Nelson Marina upgrade as examples of how investment can support long-term regional resilience.
He says these projects demonstrate how development can strengthen regions rather than leave them more exposed.
Jones acknowledges frustration from communities that continue to deal with damaged homes, disrupted livelihoods, and fragile infrastructure long after emergency responses have ended.
He says funding decisions must be guided by need, risk, and long-term benefit – not political cycles.
With climate-driven destruction becoming more frequent, Jones says there is a growing case for rethinking how regional and national infrastructure systems are planned and delivered.
He says future reform must integrate regional knowledge and Māori leadership to ensure infrastructure investments are fit for purpose.
Jones says ensuring iwi, councils, and community groups are genuine partners in development is essential to success.
As Waitangi Day approaches, Jones says the challenge for Government is clear.
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