40637 (2026). Mike Davidson to the Minister for the South Island

40637 (2026). Mike Davidson to the Minister for the South Island: Which specific South Island projects, if any, that demonstrate clear community benefits, are well developed, and align with the Government's priorities for economic growth, infrastructure, resilience and regional development, has the Minister advocated for and how has he done this advocacy?

Hon James Meager: My role of Minister for the South Island is to advocate for regional priorities across Government, guided by three portfolio priorities: • Priority area one: Double Exports, and lift the contribution of the South Island to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) • Priority area two: Investing in reliable, resilient infrastructure which supports growth • Priority area three: Improving the delivery of core public services This work includes engaging with communities and stakeholders, raising issues and opportunities with responsible Ministers and agencies, promoting South Island interests in Government decision-making processes, and recognising significant milestones in the delivery of projects and initiatives. While this is not an exhaustive list, examples of projects and initiatives that I have actively supported and advocated for include: • Christchurch SH75 / Halswell Road improvements (source: Christchurch SH75 improvements complete | Beehive.govt.nz) • Second Ashburton Bridge project (source: Work on Second Ashburton bridge underway | Beehive.govt.nz) • Rangiora Eastern Link (source: Milestone for major North Canterbury roading project | Beehive.govt.nz) • Replacement of two century-old South Canterbury bridges on State Highway 82: Elephant Hill Stream Bridge and Waihao North River (sources: SH82 Bridge replacement delivered under budget | Beehive.govt.nz; Replacement of century-old Canterbury bridges begins | Beehive.govt.nz) • Timaru Showgrounds (Noting this project was initially supported in a ministerial capacity (in January 2026), and all subsequent meetings and engagements were held in a local MP capacity) (source: Timaru intersection upgrade to unlock growth | Beehive.govt.nz) • SH6 Epitaph Slip resilience and recovery works (source: Next steps confirmed for SH6 Epitaph Slip site | Beehive.govt.nz) • Christchurch Pages Road Bridge replacement (source: Funding for Christchurch’s new Pages Road bridge confirmed | Beehive.govt.nz) • SH1 Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass project (source: Progress on the SH1 Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass project | Beehive.govt.nz) • Investment in Greymouth and Westport ports to support coastal shipping and economic growth (source: Investing in the future of West Coast ports | Beehive.govt.nz) • New Chatham Islands supply vessel project (source: New Chatham Islands ship confirmed | Beehive.govt.nz) • Long-term housing programme for Westport following West Coast flood recovery efforts (source: Government secures long-term housing for Westport | Beehive.govt.nz) • Nelson Tasman weather radar procurement project to improve severe weather monitoring and response (source: New weather radar for Nelson Tasman region | Beehive.govt.nz) • Otago youth enterprise programme to help young people develop business and employment skills (source: Otago youth to turn ambition into enterprise | Beehive.govt.nz) • Canterbury youth investment fund aimed at supporting at-risk young people (source: At-risk Canterbury youth to benefit from new fund | Beehive.govt.nz) • Student Volunteer Army severe weather response initiative for Nelson Tasman (source: Youth to mobilise for severe weather response | Beehive.govt.nz) • Additional classroom infrastructure for Otago schools (source: Otago students to benefit from more classrooms | Beehive.govt.nz) • Christchurch Hospital cardiac catheterisation (cath lab) upgrade (source: Cath lab upgrade complete at Christchurch Hospital | Beehive.govt.nz) • High country farming rule changes intended to unlock economic opportunities and regional growth (source: Unlocking economic potential for high country farms | Beehive.govt.nz)