Urban Development News from the media | 15 July 2025 | City and Regional Deals to unlock growth

City and Regional Deals to unlock growth

The Government has laid out its expectations for City and Regional Deals (CRDs) as long-term partnerships that will increase economic growth, create jobs, and boost productivity for New Zealanders, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Local Government Minister Simon Watts say.

The Government has also signed the first Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to negotiate deals with Auckland, Otago/Central Lakes and Western Bay of Plenty.

“City and Regional Deals will be strategic 10-year partnerships between local and central government to progress joint priorities including economic growth, enabling abundant housing, better management and utilisation of local assets, and closing the infrastructure deficit,” Mr Bishop says.

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/city-and-regional-deals-unlock-growth

Major 25% investor and partner pulls out of QLDC's Lakeview project

Crux has discovered on Saturday (June 21) that the major New Zealand partner in the controversial $2 billion Queenstown Lakeview project pulled out of the project only 10 days ago.

This is in spite of detailed questions to the Queenstown Lakes District Council this week from Crux about the lack of construction activity at the Lakeview site. Their reply: “There are no significant changes.”

The Lakeview site this week - prime Queenstown land, with $75 million of ratepayer money spent on underground council services, but abandoned for the past year.

The withdrawal of Centuria Lakeview Holdings Ltd, who owned 25% of the Lakeview project, may now raise questions about the Overseas Investment Office approval of the Lakeview project.

The Centuria shares passed back to NFF QT Development PTY Ltd in Australia who now own 100% of the Lakeview shares.

https://crux.org.nz/crux-news/major-25-investor-and-partner-pulls-out-of-qldcs-lakeview-project

Auckland Council reveals new proposal for Takapuna Golf Course

Construction to turn Takapuna Golf Course into a flood storage wetland is set to begin in 2027, Auckland Council has announced.

It has chosen a design concept that could allow for both flood resilience and a nine-hole golf course with a driving range at AF Thomas Park, also known as Takapuna Golf Course.

The council said the project aimed to reduce downstream flood flow through Wairau Creek, cutting flood risk to more than 250 homes and three residential care homes in Milford.

It would also protect critical infrastructure and access to key facilities such as North Shore Hospital and Westlake Boys' and Girls' High Schools, as well as Eventfinda Stadium.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/566169/auckland-council-reveals-new-proposal-for-takapuna-golf-course

📰 Subscribe to this newsletter 📰

📒 Check out our complementary practice notes 📒