ACT has welcomed the signing of the Western Bay of Plenty Deal today, saying the delivery of the Party's coalition commitment is a major step forward for infrastructure, housing, and economic growth across the region.

ACT Leader David Seymour, who is in Tauranga for the signing of the deal, says:

“Regional deals are ACT policy in action. They mean government and councils work together, building infrastructure instead of flip-flopping every time there's an election. ACT has promoted this idea since at least 2019, secured it as a coalition commitment, and now it's reality.

"Short-term political ambitions are being set aside in favour of a pipeline of projects that can endure beyond the political cycles of any incumbent government or council. Ultimately, this looks like homes being connected to opportunities in employment and education by quality infrastructure."

Mount Maunganui-based ACT MP Cameron Luxton, also present for the signing, says:

"The Bay of Plenty is the gateway to the central upper North Island, and a dream place to live, but broken infrastructure funding models with poor processes coming out of Wellington have hampered development, locked out the infrastructure connections to the country and made building housing akin to Greek tragedy.

“Roads, housing developments, and essential infrastructure have taken far too long to get off the ground. This Deal is about changing that, unlocking the Bay's potential and getting the homes we need for a region where families, understandably, want to live.

"Finally, ratepayers in the Bay get to see a more mature approach. Co-ordination between local and central government will mean the infrastructure needed to support growth in the region actually gets built. The Western Bay of Plenty deal will help unlock up to 15,000 new homes over the next decade, upgrade key transport routes, and ensure the Port continues to function as one of New Zealand’s most important export gateways.

“The commitment to use innovative funding and financing tools, alongside private investment, will help deliver major projects like Takitimu North Link Stage 2 and Tauriko West faster and more efficiently.

“The Deal also recognises that increasing housing supply is critical for the future of the Bay. Delivering 12,000 new greenfield homes alongside 3,000 infill dwellings will help keep the price of housing under control in our part of the country.

“Alongside economic infrastructure, health and education services are also supported by the Deal. It recognises we're not just cash cow for the rest of the country, we're a place where it's worth settling down and building lives together."

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