3530 (2026). Scott Willis to the Minister for Regional Development

3530 (2026). Scott Willis to the Minister for Regional Development: How was Wellington-based company OpenStar Technologies eligible for Regional Infrastructure funding when eligibility for the fund specifically excludes Wellington cities?

Hon Shane Jones: Cabinet is required to make decisions on Regional Infrastructure Fund proposals that do not meet the full eligibility criteria of the fund. For OpenStar Technologies’ proposal, Cabinet agreed to an exception on the location criterion on the basis that the proposal is expected to deliver significant regional and national economic benefits, aligns with the Government’s Going For Growth approach, and represents enabling infrastructure with strategic importance to the regional and the wider economy. While OpenStar Technologies is a Wellington-based company, they have yet to determine the location of the planned facility.