• New Zealand Regions
      • Hawke's Bay
      • Bay of Plenty
      • Waikato
      • Whanganui
      • Manawatu
      • Northland
      • Auckland
      • Gisborne
      • Taranaki
      • Wellington
      • West Coast
      • Nelson
      • Canterbury
      • Otago
      • Marlborough
      • Southland
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      Hawke's Bay

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      Beaches, wineries and Art Deco. The Hawke's Bay has a diverse economy, including business services that support its sectors to be the second largest contributor to regional GDP in the country. A popular tourist destination, the region has some of the countries best restaurants as well as stunning scenery, markets and festivals.

      Districts

      HastingsNapier

      Bay of Plenty

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      The Bay of Plenty is officially New Zealand's sunniest destination, enjoying short-lived winters and long summer days. The Region offers some of the country's most spectacular views and many ways to enjoy the pristine scenery and natural wonders. Visitors also enjoy exploring the Bay's Māori heritage and pre-European roots.

      Districts

      OpotikiOpotiki iSiteKawerauWhakatane

      Waikato

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      The Waikato is known for its rolling plains, fertile land and the mighty Waikato River. The region is the fourth largest regional economy in New Zealand, with a strong focus on primary production and associated manufacturing.

      Districts

      South WaikatoWaikato District

      Whanganui

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      Welcome to Whanganui. This is our place; where history is full of stories, legends and rich legacy. Where a thriving arts scene, creativity and evolving culture inspire our modern lives. Where breath-taking natural landscapes capture imaginations at every turn.

      Manawatu

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      Located in the lower North Island, Manawatu is heartland New Zealand, offering an authentic Kiwi experience.

      The main in the region are Palmerston North, most notable for Massey University. Palmerston has a vibrant, arts and culture scene.

      The region's economy is based on food production and processing, research and education. The region is also home for the New Zealand defence force.

      Northland

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      Northland was originally home to some of our country's first human inhabitants. Today, it is one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand and home to nearly 189,000 people. Rich in culture and history, the region boasts a stunning natural environment.

      Auckland

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      Auckland Region stretches from the the beaches of the Pacific Ocean in the east to the expansive beaches of the rugged west coast of the Tasman Sea. Auckland City, the largest urban area in New Zealand is considered the main economic center of New Zealand and a popular destination for international students and travellers.

      Gisborne

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      Gisborne is a Region on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It's known for wineries and surf beaches such as Makorori. The region has maintained a strong Maori heritage. The region's economy is made up mainly of agriculture, horticulture and forestry.

      Taranaki

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      Taranaki is a coastal and mountainous region on the western side of New Zealand's North Island. Its landscape is dominated by Mount Taranaki, its namesake volcano, which lies within the rainforested Egmont National Park.

      The port city of New Plymouth is the area's cultural and commercial hub. Taranaki's economy is diverse and includes dairy, oil and gas. The region is the highest contributor or national GDP per capita. 

      Wellington

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      The Wellington Region covers Wellington city in the south, Upper and Lower Hutt valleys to the north-east, and Porirua to the north-west. The region takes its name from Wellington, New Zealand's capital city.

      Wellington is famous for its arts and culture scene and is also the centre of New Zealand's film industry.

      West Coast

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      The West Coast, or as some locals call it, the "Wild West", is a long thin region that runs down the South Island's west coast.

      The region has the lowest population in all of New Zealand. It is famous for its rugged natural scenery such as the Pancake Rocks, the Blue Pools of Haast, and the glaciers.

      The main industries in the region are dairy farming and mining. Tourism also plays an important role.

      Nelson – Tasman

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      Nelson Tasman is an extraordinary, vibrant region where art and businesses thrive together among a stunning natural landscape. With one in five people internationally born, Nelson Tasman has 48 different cultures living in its environs.

      The region prides its self on being New Zealand’s leading Research and Development areas, with the highest proportion of people working in the research, science and tech sectors out of anywhere in New Zealand.

      Canterbury

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      Canterbury is a region on New Zealand’s South Island marked by grassy plains, clear lakes and snow-capped mountains. Its largest city, Christchurch, is famed for its art scene and green spaces.

      Otago

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      There are few places in the world which will leave you with a lasting sense of difference. Central Otago is undoubtedly one of them from its landscapes, its seasons, its people, its products and experiences.

      Marlborough

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      Marlborough Region is on the north-eastern corner of the South Island. The region is well known for its winemaking industry, and the Marlborough Sounds, an extensive network of coastal waterways, peninsulas and islands.

      Apart from the wine industry, aquaculture, agriculture and tourism play an important role in the local economy.

      Southland

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      Southland is New Zealand’s most southerly region and includes the World Heritage ranked Fiordland National Park.

      The region's only city Invercargill offers a relaxed pace of life with wide streets, little traffic, spacious parks and gardens, striking Victorian and Edwardian architecture and impressive sporting facilities including New Zealand’s first indoor velodrome. Southland's location is such that views of Aurora Australis or the Southern Lights are common.

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InterIslander ferries set to be built at South Korean shipyard

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KiwiRail’s project for two new InterIslander ferries is progressing, with the operator signing a letter of intent for them to built at a South Korean shipyard.

The letter is a non-binding agreement that allows both parties to progress to more detailed contract negotiations.

KiwiRail chief executive Greg Miller said the decision to choose the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, based in Ulsan’s south-eastern city, came after a year-long selection process.

“KiwiRail has been working hard at this since first seeking expressions of interest in August last year,” Miller said in a statement.

The two new ferries will replace KiwiRail’s three ageing Interislander ferries, which are nearing the end of their lives.

The engines, propulsion system, and navigation system have been specified to be predominantly American and European.

After the technical and commercial negotiations phase, Miller said the aim was to have the final shipbuilding contract signed by mid-2021 and construction of the ferries underway by late 2022.

It has been more than 20 years since New Zealand introduced a brand-new purpose-built ferry to its fleet.

KiwiRail ships programme manager Massimo Soprano said the selection process had been highly competitive.

“We have been fortunate to have such high-quality shipyards to choose from. In taking HMD forward into detailed negotiations we know we have a shipyard that can deliver on every front: design, production, quality, and they have a great track record on delivery,” he said.

“For KiwiRail, the quality of build is vital as the Cook Strait route works our ferries hard, and reliable performance across their anticipated 30-year life span is crucial.”

According to KiwiRail, the new ferries will support its goal to reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030 and be carbon neutral by 2050.

They will use different energy sources if available in New Zealand. At day one will provide for battery operations when docking and plug into local power supply at each port.

Combined with upgraded terminals at Waitohi Picton and Wellington, Miller said he was confident passengers would receive the best service.

“We have made good progress with the design of the Waitohi Picton terminal redevelopment, we have now settled on our preferred shipyard to enter final negotiations and we are focusing our efforts on the redevelopment at the Kaiwharawhara terminal site in Wellington,” he said.

KiwiRail said the South Korean shipbuilder was the world’s sixth-largest with decades of experience building complex ships, including HMNZS Aotearoa for the New Zealand Defence Force.

The government committed $400 million in Budget 2020 to the project, building on a $35m investment in Budget 2019.

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