5715 (2026). Steve Abel to the Minister for Regional Development

Written Question

Published date: 25 Mar 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	5715 (2026)
Question asked:	23 Feb 2026
Member asking:	Steve Abel
Portfolio:	Minister for Regional Development
Minister replying:	Hon Shane Jones
Answer received:	22 Mar 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_05715_2026
Document guid:	ac38e0b2-18e7-4615-a279-ac4a8acdacba

5715 (2026). Steve Abel to the Minister for Regional Development: Has the ring-fencing of Regional Infrastructure Funding for critical minerals projects been undertaken in light of reports of the United States looking for “shovel ready critical minerals projects in New Zealand”?

Hon Shane Jones: Critical minerals have become a key geostrategic lever, and the need to diversify supply chains is the subject of global discussion. New Zealand has critical mineral resources, creating an enduring economic opportunity for us as a country.