Western Bay of Plenty Regional Deal
A new era of growth, certainty and confidence for the Western Bay of Plenty
The Western Bay of Plenty Regional Deal signals a new phase of confidence for one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing sub-regions. At its core, the Deal delivers what has often been missing: certainty.
By aligning central government, local councils, iwi partners and delivery agencies, it creates a clear, coordinated framework for infrastructure, housing, transport and investment.
For businesses and investors, that clarity matters. It reduces risk, improves sequencing and provides a stronger foundation for long-term investment.
This is not about starting from scratch – it’s about scaling existing momentum and ensuring growth is managed, connected and sustainable.
What's the deal with the Regional Deal?
The Government’s Regional Deals are focused on unlocking economic growth, improving housing supply, and investing in connected, resilient infrastructure through long-term, place-based partnerships.
The Western Bay of Plenty subregion is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing regions, but growth comes with challenges. The intent of the regional deal is to help unlock our subregion’s full potential and improve liveability – creating opportunities for economic growth, jobs, new housing and better, connected infrastructure.
What's in it for the Western Bay of Plenty?
What we hope to achieve
- Enable the delivery of up to 40,000 homes
- Support the creation of 35,000 jobs
- Unlock new industrial land
- Deliver real GDP growth of 4.6% per year
How would this improve life in the Western Bay?
- Delivering more housing, and improving affordability
- Attracting new businesses and investment
- Improving regional transport connectivity
- Supporting wage growth and job opportunities
- Improving access to education, health care and other essential services
- Unlocking new funding and financing tools to manage growth and maintain liveability
- Giving certainty: certainty drives confidence, confidence drives investment
Graphic on left outlines priorities for the Western Bay that will inform the regional deal. These priorities are grounded in the SmartGrowth strategy and shared by all three local councils.
Working together with a long-term plan in play
A regional deal will give us access to:
- A partnership with central government to tackle the real issues and manage growth
- An economic growth plan that has rigour, certainty and commitment
- Long-term certainty for strong partnerships
The deal framework is based on a 30-year vision, with negotiated 10-year strategic plans to deliver the shared priorities agreed to.
City and Regional Deal
Find out more - Background Information and Resources
News
Regional Deal Strengthens Confidence in the Western Bay of Plenty
The signing of a Regional Deal between central government and the councils of the Western Bay of Plenty is a significant step toward greater certainty, better alignment and increased confidence…
Western Bay of Plenty moves closer to an infrastructure and growth partnership with Government
The Western Bay of Plenty subregion is pleased to announce it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with central government to progress a Regional Deal. The MOU outlines the…
Western Bay of Plenty regional deal – Leading New Zealand’s Growth
26 February 2025 The Western Bay of Plenty subregion has today submitted a proposal for inclusion in theGovernment’s City and Regional Deals programme. Regional Deals are a new initiative where…
Western Bay of Plenty Seeks Government Partnership to Fuel Economic Growth, Housing, and Jobs Through Regional Deal
17th December 2024 Western Bay of Plenty Seeks Government Partnership to Fuel Economic Growth, Housing, and Jobs Through Regional Deal The Western Bay of Plenty subregion has today registered its…