In August 2024, the
Government announced the launch of a framework to establish Regional Deals
between central and local government. These deals are long-term partnerships
between central government and local councils to grow the economy and deliver
the infrastructure, and housing that regions need.
Each deal is built
around a 30-year vision for the region, backed by a 10-year strategic plan
setting out the outcomes we're working towards and the actions to get there.
Deals mostly make use of existing resources rather than new funding, but they
create a framework so new funding can be directed here as it becomes available.
Otago Central Lakes is now the third region in Aotearoa to sign a deal,
joining Auckland City and Western Bay of Plenty in this national programme.