City and Regional Deals are strategic long-term partnerships between Local and Central Government to progress joint priorities including economic growth, enabling abundant housing, better management and utilisation of local assets, and closing the infrastructure deficit.
What’s happened?
At the start of 2025, Central Government invited local councils to submit light-touch proposals outlining what would be delivered, who they would work with and surety on delivery. These proposals were then assessed to determine who Central Government would enter into Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with.
We supported three regional deal proposals:
- Western Bay of Plenty (with Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty District Councils, and Priority One)
- Eastern Bay of Plenty (with Whakatāne, Ōpōtiki and Kawerau District Councils)
- Rotorua-Taupō (with Rotorua Lakes and Taupō District Councils, and economic development agencies RotoruaNZ and Amplify).
Where are we now?
In June 2025, Cabinet agreed to progress City and Regional Deal discussions with three regions: Auckland, Western Bay of Plenty and Otago Central Lakes.
MoUs outlining each region’s objectives for a deal were agreed. Western Bay of Plenty representatives then entered negotiations with Central Government to determine commitments and what delivery will look like, and roles and responsibilities within this.
Learn more about the Western Bay of Plenty Regional Deal.
What next for other subregions?
As a regional partner in other proposals, we are continuing to work alongside other Bay of Plenty councils for the benefit of local communities, utilising existing mechanisms such as spatial plans, the Regional Land Transport Plan, and Long Term Plans to advocate for and deliver critical infrastructure in other sub-regions.
- Going for Growth: Unlocking the Economic Potential of Taupō and Rotorua
The ‘"Going for Growth"’ vision for Taupō and Rotorua is a blueprint for a new way of working. It represents a strategic, long-term opportunity to unlock the subregion's full potential and, in doing so, be a core part of the nation's economic growth and resilience story. By creating a globally competitive investment environment, the Taupō-Rotorua region can unlock significant private sector capital, generate thousands of high-value jobs, and establish itself as a critical engine for New Zealand's long-term prosperity and resilience.
- Unlocking the Eastern Bay of Plenty: A Vision for Housing and Employment Growth
This paper outlines the vision and priorities behind the Eastern Bay of Plenty regional deal proposal.
It is grounded in outcomes that matter most to Eastern Bay communities: Affordable and resilient homes, equitable access to services, iwi led development pathways, and creating places where whānau can thrive.
It does not replace any statutory plans or funding processes but provides context on how a future partnership with central government could support long term social, cultural and economic wellbeing in the region.
Eastern Bay of Plenty proposal.
For more information, visit the DIA website.