Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says strong turnouts at local halls are giving him plenty to think about as the election campaign gathers pace, with regional investment, infrastructure and the polls among the big issues he discusses with Radio Waatea’s Matthew Tukaki.
Jones talks about campaigning in the regions and the response New Zealand First is receiving on the ground, while also discussing what the latest polling means for the party as voters prepare to head to the polls.
Regional investment is also firmly on the agenda, including the Government’s newly announced $2.01 million investment from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to upgrade Opureora Wharf on Matakana Island. The wharf is the island’s only vehicle and freight gateway and services a community of around 320 people, as well as forestry, dairy and horticultural operations.
The wider $2.9 million project will include improvements to the seawall, loading and parking areas, stormwater management, safety barriers and roading, with construction expected to support around 19 full-time-equivalent jobs.
From packed local halls to infrastructure investment and the battle for votes, Jones joins Tukaki for a wide-ranging conversation about the regions, the economy and the road to Election 2026.
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