West Coast ports and airport upgrades funded through Regional Infrastructure Fund
The government is backing infrastructure improvements to West Coast ports and Hokitika Airport through the Regional Infrastructure Fund.
The government is delivering infrastructure upgrades on the West Coast through the Regional Infrastructure Fund. The West Coast Ports Infrastructure Upgrade Programme, backed by $7.8 million, includes improvements at Greymouth Port, Westport Port and Jackson Bay Wharf. At Greymouth, port infrastructure and facilities upgrades are underway, while enabling works are progressing at Westport, and Jackson Bay is moving through detailed design ahead of construction. Construction has begun on the $16.4 million upgrade of Hokitika Airport, supported by a $9.8 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund. Once complete, the airport upgrade will improve operational safety, help reduce flight disruptions and cancellations, and strengthen transport connections for West Coast communities, businesses and visitors. These investments are intended to ensure the West Coast's critical transport infrastructure remains resilient and fit for purpose while supporting key industries and communities across the region.
What it means
West Coast communities and businesses are affected as these infrastructure projects progress over the coming months and years. The airport upgrade construction has begun this month, while port improvements are at various stages from detailed design to active construction. People using these transport links should see improved operational reliability and safety once projects are complete.
From the document
Improvements to key shipping ports and the upgrade of Hokitika Airport are part of the government's support for the West Coast's economic growth and resilienceAssociate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson, 16 October 2026
The vessel is part of the West Coast Ports Infrastructure Upgrade Programme which is backed by $7.8 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF). It includes improvements at Greymouth Port, Westport Port and Jackson Bay Wharf.Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson, 16 October 2026
At Greymouth, upgrades to port infrastructure and facilities are underway. In Westport, enabling works are progressing well. At Jackson Bay, the project is moving through detailed design ahead of constructionAssociate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson, 16 October 2026
This month, construction also began on the $16.4m upgrade of Hokitika Airport, supported by a $9.8m loan from the RIF.Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson, 16 October 2026
Once complete, the upgrade will improve operational safety, help reduce flight disruptions and cancellations, and strengthen a critical transport connection for West Coast communities, businesses and visitors.Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson, 16 October 2026
Read the full release (Beehive)
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