Simon Bridges
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Transport Minister Simon Bridges is welcoming the approval of $46.4 million in advanced funding by the NZ Transport Agency to Auckland Transport for the construction of the Lincoln Road Corridor Improvements Project.

“This is great news for Aucklanders. This project will help to create a much better transport system for this rapidly growing part of the city,” Mr Bridges says.

The project will include new bus lanes, improved cycling facilities and road safety improvements.

Simon Bridges Transport
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Transport Minister Simon Bridges has congratulated the Port of Tauranga today, as the one millionth container this year passes through its terminal.

“The Port of Tauranga is a leading New Zealand port for container throughput and the largest port in terms of volume in New Zealand. It’s great to be able to mark this milestone and acknowledge the economic benefits the Port brings to the wider Bay of Plenty economy,” Mr Bridges says.

Simon Bridges Transport
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Prime Minister Bill English and Transport Minister Simon Bridges have cut the ribbon to mark the completion of the $1.4 billion Waterview Tunnel.

Mr Bridges says the Waterview Tunnel completion celebration today marks the biggest change in Auckland’s transport system since the opening of the Auckland Harbour Bridge in 1959.

Simon Bridges Transport
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Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges has today launched a new guide for potential investors highlighting opportunities in the Māori economy.

Speaking at the He kai kei aku ringa – E RERE Māori economy conference in Rotorua, Mr Bridges told the audience that Māori have huge potential to lift the New Zealand economy.

Simon Bridges Economic Development
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Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges and Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry say the Whangarei Art Museum Trust will receive up to $3 million towards its bespoke project to build a Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangarei. 

This is further to the $4 million the Government contributed towards its construction through the Northland Economic Action Plan.

“The Northland community has worked hard to get this project off the ground and I’m delighted that the Government has been able to provide funding to get this project across the line.

Maggie Barry Simon Bridges Economic Development Arts, Culture and Heritage
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Auckland is set to welcome Sichuan Airlines’ inaugural flight from Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province in southwest China later today, Transport Minister Simon Bridges says.

Sichuan Airlines will operate three direct flights per week between Auckland and Chengdu.

“New Zealand is in a strong position to attract airlines, with a liberal international air transport policy that allows most major airlines to operate services to New Zealand without restriction,” Mr Bridges says.

Simon Bridges Transport
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More than three-quarters of the build for phase one of the Government’s Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) programme is complete, says Communications Minister Simon Bridges.

“This is a fantastic milestone which means that more than 1,132,000 households and businesses now have access to fibre. At four per cent ahead of schedule, the build is now complete in 22 cities and towns across New Zealand,” Mr Bridges says.

Simon Bridges Communications
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Transport Minister Simon Bridges has announced three extra public open days will be held to give more people an opportunity to see Auckland’s Waterview Tunnel before it opens to traffic.

“There has been strong interest from members of the public wanting to experience the tunnel, with more than 42,000 people snapping up tickets so far to walk and cycle through it,” Mr Bridges says.

Simon Bridges Transport
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Transport Minister Simon Bridges says Auckland’s Waterview Tunnel will open to traffic in early July, marking the biggest milestone in the city’s transport network in more than half a century.

The $1.4 billion Waterview Connection is New Zealand’s biggest and most complex roading project, including twin 2.4km-long three-lane tunnels.

Simon Bridges Transport
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The first work train to reach Kaikoura on the Main North Line following November’s devastating earthquake arrived today, marking a significant milestone for the rebuild project, Transport Minister Simon Bridges says.

The work train, travelling north from Oaro, is the first to reach Kaikoura from the south.

“The train’s arrival demonstrates the progress that KiwiRail is making to restore this vital part of New Zealand’s freight network,” Mr Bridges says.

Simon Bridges Transport
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Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges has acknowledged the innovation of teams which presented solutions to challenges of dealing with government at a Wellington event today.

The R9 Accelerator 3+ Demo Day is the culmination of three months’ intensive work by teams of entrepreneurs, innovators, and government specialists, each of which devised a solution to a particular challenge. They presented their solutions to potential private sector and government investors.

Simon Bridges Economic Development
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Communications Minister Simon Bridges has today announced the reappointment of Dr Stephen Gale as Telecommunications Commissioner and as a member of the Commerce Commission.

Dr Gale has been appointed for a further three years starting on 12 July.

“The reappointment of Dr Gale recognises his valuable knowledge and expertise in competition and pricing issues, and the significant contribution he has made to the work of the Commission over a number of years,” Mr Bridges says.

Simon Bridges Communications
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Communications Minister Simon Bridges and Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith have welcomed the launch of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Forum to help understand the opportunities and challenges relating to AI in New Zealand.

Supported by NZTech, the Forum brings together users of technology, tech firms, academia and government to help connect, promote and advance the AI ecosystem and drive positive social and economic outcomes for New Zealand.

Simon Bridges Paul Goldsmith Communications Science and Innovation
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Transport Minister Simon Bridges announced today that Christchurch has taken out the inaugural Top Town Award in the NZ Transport Agency’s annual Favourite Places to Ride competition.“The competition was close, with Christchurch beating Rotorua and Wellington to take the top title. The award follows significant investment from Government and Christchurch City Council in a city-wide urban network that is making Christchurch increasingly cycle-friendly,” Mr Bridges says.

Simon Bridges Transport
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The Government and Auckland Council have agreed on Terms of Reference to establish a project to investigate smarter transport pricing in Auckland.

“Alongside our current multi-billion dollar transport investment in Auckland, we need to look at new ways of managing demand on our roads to help ease congestion. Smarter transport pricing has the potential to be part of the solution,” Finance Minister Steven Joyce says.

Steven Joyce Simon Bridges Finance Transport
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Communications Minister Simon Bridges and Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry have welcomed the announcement of a safe, interactive ad-free space for primary school age children to explore and enjoy online local media content.

The new media initiative is a collaboration between NZ On Air and TVNZ. The interactive curated website will be run by a newly formed team at TVNZ, utilising the company’s expertise and technology.

Maggie Barry Simon Bridges Communications Arts, Culture and Heritage
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Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges, Sport and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman and Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry welcome the kick-off of the DHL NZ Lions Series 2017.

The New Zealand Lions Series 2017 will take place from 3 June to 8 July 2017, and will see the British & Irish Lions rugby team play ten matches against New Zealand in seven host cities, including three test matches.

The series starts tomorrow night when the Lions take on the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians at Whangarei’s Toll Stadium.

Maggie Barry Jonathan Coleman Simon Bridges Sport and Recreation Economic Development Arts, Culture and Heritage
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Budget 2017 invests more than $32 million for increased health and safety in our aviation and maritime sectors, and to enhance policy advice for our dynamic and rapidly changing transport system, Transport Minister Simon Bridges says.

“The Government is investing $15.8 million in Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) and $3 million in the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), to strengthen their health and safety roles on the water and in the air,” Mr Bridges says.

Simon Bridges Transport
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Communications Minister Simon Bridges today announced the final details of the Government’s reform package to improve the Telecommunications Act and modernise the communications sector.

The final package will introduce a more predictable utility-style model for Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) fibre, deregulate copper lines where fibre is available, and improve the quality of service for consumers by increasing regulatory oversight.

Simon Bridges Communications
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State Highway 1, south of Kaikoura, will reopen to all traffic on Friday morning in time for the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, Transport Minister Simon Bridges says.“The North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery crews have been hard at work to reopen the route after a major slip at Easter closed the highway and railway near Peketa,” Mr Bridges says.

“The road and rail line have been temporarily realigned for 300 metres in order to open the route, and to assist in the wider reinstatement work between Kaikoura and Picton.

Simon Bridges Transport
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Transport Minister Simon Bridges has welcomed plans for Auckland’s Harbour Bridge to be transformed at night with a state-of-the-art, sustainable, world first lighting system.

“The Harbour Bridge is an iconic Auckland landmark and this exciting use of technology will transform Auckland’s night-time skyline.

“In a world first, the energy required for the nearly 90,000 LED lights and 200 floodlights will be offset by solar and battery technology,” Mr Bridges says.

Simon Bridges Transport
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Minister for Economic Development Simon Bridges has congratulated the team at Rocket Lab on the successful launch of their first test rocket on the Mahia Peninsula.

“Today’s successful launch is a major milestone in the development of New Zealand’s space industry,” says Mr Bridges.

“It is the first visible sign of a space industry in New Zealand and is an achievement Rocket Lab, and all New Zealanders can be proud of.”

Simon Bridges Economic Development
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Budget 2017 will invest $372.8 million of new operating funding in the second round of the Government’s Innovative New Zealand programme, Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges and Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith say.

“Every initiative in the Budget flows from having a strong economic plan that delivers sustainable growth and jobs,” Mr Bridges says. “The Government’s Innovative New Zealand programme invests in the skills and innovation that will keep our economy growing in the years ahead.”

The funding includes:

Paul Goldsmith Simon Bridges Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Science and Innovation Economic Development Budget 2017