Infrastructure Acceleration Fund
Laying the foundation for new communities and neighbourhoods throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Government’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF) was launched in June 2021. It is a fund of approximately $1 billion to support new or upgraded bulk infrastructure – such as roading, three waters and flood management – to enable new homes to be built in areas of high housing need.
Administered by Kāinga Ora, the IAF is designed to help increase the pace and scale of housing delivery by funding critical infrastructure needed for developments.
Applications to the IAF have now closed.
IAF funding allocations
To date, $921 million in IAF funding has been allocated to critical infrastructure projects in cities and towns across the country, from the Far North to Otago. Combined, these IAF-funded projects are expected to enable around 30,000 to 35,000 new homes for New Zealanders over the next 10 to 15 years.
Kaikohe
- IAF funding agreed: $23 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 365
Housing developments on three sites in Kaikohe will be accelerated by $23 million in IAF funding, which will be used for flood management and significant wastewater and stormwater upgrades to improve the current network and provide for future growth.
The Far North District Council expects the IAF-funded infrastructure will enable 365 new homes in the area, to provide much-needed home ownership opportunities for mana whenua and the wider community. Both public and papakāinga homes are among the planned housing outcomes.
Kawakawa
- IAF funding agreed: $25.6 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 310
A road extension and significant water infrastructure upgrades in the Far North town of Kawakawa will receive $25.6 million from the IAF, to enable hundreds of new homes to be built in the area and address the significant housing shortfall.
Far North District Council expects the infrastructure projects funded by the IAF will enable around 300 new homes, including approximately 180 homes within the proposed Te Mataora development delivered by Ngā Kāingamaha o Ngāti Hine Charitable Trust. The Trust’s plans for the development include aged-care apartments and more affordable homes, to create an intergenerational community.
Whangārei
- IAF funding agreed: $10.3 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 3,000
Key transport upgrades in Whangārei will be supported by $10.3 million from the IAF. The projects receiving funding include a new bridge in the suburb of Kamo, to help increase access to and open up a much wider area for housing development. The new bridge will replace an existing single-lane timber bridge, which has stalled development plans to date. IAF funding will also be used for a new roundabout on State Highway One with an arterial road and shared user path, connecting planned development areas in Springs Flat with services, education and employment opportunities.
The IAF-funded infrastructure projects are expected to support the delivery of up to 1,000 homes over the next 10 to 15 years, and up to 2,000 additional homes in the longer-term.
Auckland (Mt Albert)
- IAF funding agreed: $113.2 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 4,000
IAF investment of $113.2 million will fund Carrington Road-related infrastructure upgrades to support the large-scale urban development at Pt Chevalier/Mt Albert, Auckland led by the three Tāmaki Makaurau Rōpū.
It is expected this infrastructure will support the delivery of at least 4,000 new homes over nearly 40 hectares of land.
The IAF funding will be used for the widening of Carrington Road and associated upgrades, which include dedicated bus lanes, cycle lanes, intersection improvements, and safe pedestrian crossing points, all within the extended Carrington Road corridor identified in the Unitary Plan. The transport solutions funded by the IAF will also enable future development and intensification in Mt Albert and surrounding suburbs.
Auckland (Ōrākei)
- IAF funding agreed: $7.3 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 469
IAF investment of $7.3 million will support more planned papa kāinga housing close to Ōrākei Marae in Auckland, delivered by local hapū Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. The IAF funding will be used to upgrade the intersection between Kupe Street and Kepa Road to improve safety and access to Ōrākei papakāinga, while also contributing to the potential for further housing growth and intensification in the Ōrākei area.
It is expected the funding will accelerate the delivery of infrastructure needed to enable around 460 homes over the coming years, supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to build more homes for whānau that are located within walking distance to the marae, and with a strong sense of community.
Hamilton
- IAF funding agreed: $150.6 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 4,140
IAF funding of $150.6 million committed to support intensification of Hamilton’s central city. The funding will be used for critical infrastructure projects to facilitate further development in the area – including a new water reservoir and pump station, local waters upgrades and improvements, and a multimodal walking and cycling bridge across the Waikato River, to connect eastern suburbs to the city centre.
The funding is expected to support around 4,000 new homes, located close to employment, education and transport to enable a ‘20- minute city’ where people can live, work and play in the same space and reduce their need for travel.
Ngāruawāhia
- IAF funding agreed: $5.32 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 200
The Galbraith Street catchment area in the Waikato town of Ngāruawāhia will receive $5.32 million for three waters and transport infrastructure. The Waikato District Council expects this will enable approximately 200 new affordable and market homes within walking distance to the town centre and local schools, while also contributing to the potential for further housing growth on adjacent land.
Tauranga (Tauriko West)
- IAF funding agreed: $80 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 2,000
In the fast-growing Bay of Plenty region, $80 million from the IAF has been allocated to major transport and water upgrades to unlock housing in the priority growth area of Tauranga’s greenfield Tauriko West. Tauranga City Council expects the funding will enable around 2,000 new homes, which could include public, affordable and market housing.
The transport upgrades funded through the IAF will increase connectivity to the city centre and nearby Tauriko Business Estate, while developing a long-term network to support urban growth within the wider Western Corridor.
Tauranga (Te Papa Peninsula)
- IAF funding agreed: $67.9 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 1,600
Tauranga’s Te Papa Peninsula will benefit from $67.9 million of IAF funding, which is allocated to critical infrastructure upgrades to unlock housing and support intensification in the area.
The IAF funding will contribute towards Stage Two of the Cameron Road corridor upgrade – an important arterial road that runs through the centre of Te Papa Peninsula and connects the outer suburbs to the city centre. Planned works include developing a full-length walking, cycling and public transport corridor.
Tauranga City Council expects the IAF-funded infrastructure, which also includes further transport upgrades and water supply extensions, will enable 1,600 new homes within connected and vibrant communities.
Rotorua
- IAF funding agreed: $84.6 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 3,080
Almost $85 million has been committed to stormwater solutions in Central and Western areas of Rotorua, including reserves and green spaces up through the Utuhina and Mangakakahi Streams. With the help of developer partners, Rotorua Lakes Council expects this infrastructure to enable over 3,000 dwellings.
Ōmokoroa
- IAF funding agreed: $38.4 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 2,580
Investment of approximately $38.4 million will fund a key intersection between State Highway 2 and Ōmokoroa Road, providing safe access to the Ōmokoroa peninsula and catering for the next 15 years of anticipated growth for the town.
This upgrade is expected to enable approximately 2,500 homes, with a mix of standalone homes, affordable homes and medium density housing.
Gisborne
- IAF funding agreed: $4.3 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 458
The Taruheru catchment area in Gisborne will see a $4.3 million IAF investment in key water projects and roading upgrades. Gisborne District Council expects these works will enable public, affordable and market housing, as well as a potential housing site for mana whenua housing and a wellness centre.
Hastings
- IAF funding agreed: $18.5 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 4,000
An $18.5 million investment in Hastings will improve road access and resolve capacity constraints in the district’s wastewater network. This was a joint application between Hastings District Council and Heretaunga Tamatea Settlement Trust. The Council believes the IAF funding will enable around 4,000 new homes across multiple developments, including Māori housing on several papakāinga developments.
Waipukurau
- IAF funding agreed: $10.9 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 950
Central Hawkes Bay District Council will receive $10.9 million, to fund critical infrastructure required to unlock the land for new housing within the Waipukurau South Growth Precinct. The Council believes the funding will enable up to 950 homes to be built within the Precinct – supporting much of the urban growth needed in the district.
The infrastructure works include various transport improvements, several kilometres of new pipeline for wastewater and water supply, a new water reservoir, and major stormwater upgrades that are critical to realising the full potential of the development area.
Napier
- IAF funding agreed: $12.4 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 400
Maraenui in Napier will receive $12.4 million for crucial flood management work, which Napier City Council believes will provide network capacity for an additional 400 new homes, including public and affordable.
New Plymouth
- IAF funding agreed: $1.8 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 300
Six housing developments in Ferndale, New Plymouth, will see an approximately $1.8 million investment in upgrades to the water supply and transport network, which the New Plymouth District Council believes will allow for up to 300 new homes over the long-term, with multi-modal transport options.
Whanganui
- IAF funding agreed: $1.95 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 340
The extension of Carson Street in the Whanganui suburb of Castlecliff will receive $1.95 million for associated transport and three waters infrastructure. The infrastructure works will extend the road to enable up to 340 additional homes in the area, with plans for intergenerational housing.
Pahiatua
- IAF funding agreed: $880,000
- New homes expected to be enabled: 30
Development plans for a former school site in the Tararua town of Pahiatua will be supported by $880,000 from the IAF, to help meet the need for more housing.
The IAF funding will be used for new wastewater, stormwater and freshwater infrastructure, which the Tararua District Council expects will enable at least 30 new homes on the Rangitāne-owned development site. Rangitāne look forward to working in partnership with central and local government. Papakāinga, rental and affordable housing are among the proposed plans for the development.
Ōtaki
- IAF funding agreed: $29.3 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 1,040
In the Kāpiti Coast town of Ōtaki, a joint application between Māori landowners, Council and private developers succeeded in securing approximately $29.32 million of IAF funds to upgrade three waters infrastrucutre and roading. This funding is expected to enable over 1,000 papakāinga, affordable and market homes.
Lower Hutt
- IAF funding agreed: $98.9 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 3,520
Lower Hutt’s RiverLink and Valley Floor intensification project will receive $98.9 million for major stormwater upgrades, including approximately two kilometres of new stormwater pipeline, pumping stations and outfalls. As part of a wider network response, Hutt City Council believes the infrastructure will unlock development and provide capacity for around 3,500 new homes.
Porirua
Porirua City Council was allocated $6.1 million from the IAF for transport and water upgrades, to enable additional housing in the Ngāti Toa Rangatira development at Kenepuru Landing.
Due to an increasingly challenging economic climate, parties subject to this funding have since confirmed they are unable to progress the projects as planned and have reluctantly withdrawn from the IAF Funding Agreement. This means no IAF funding will be provided to these infrastructure projects.
Upper Hutt
- IAF funding agreed: $12.4 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 859
Upper Hutt City Council will receive $12.4 million from the IAF, which will fund critical transport upgrades in the area and enable a large, high-density housing development planned within part of the Trentham Racecourse in Upper Hutt. It is expected the new infrastructure will provide the necessary capacity to support the development, while also increasing the resilience of the entire Upper Hutt transport network.
The IAF-funded infrastructure is expected to help enable around 850 new homes within a mixed-use development that will include residential apartments, aged-care homes and community amenities.
Motueka
- IAF funding agreed: $1.2 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 200
A new wastewater main, stormwater upgrades and a new roundabout in Motueka will be supported by $1.2 million from the IAF. It is expected the funding will help accelerate the delivery of around 200 new homes, which could include affordable, public and papakāinga housing.
Nelson City
- IAF funding agreed: $36.4 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 1,025
Around $36 million has been committed to support the intensification of Nelson’s central city. The IAF funding will be used for transport and three waters infrastructure to unlock approximately 1,000 new homes, which the Nelson City Council expects could result in a ten-fold increase in the number of central city residents.
Hokitika
- IAF funding agreed: $3.5 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 110
Plans by the Westland District Council to develop part of the Hokitika Racecourse for new housing will be accelerated by $3.5 million in IAF funding, which will enable homes to be built much sooner than would otherwise be possible.
The transport and three waters infrastructure funded by the IAF is expected to enable around 110 new homes, which is expected to include more affordable housing and public homes for older people.
Westport
- IAF funding agreed: $13.6 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 400
The South Island town of Westport will receive $13.6 million from the IAF for transport and water infrastructure, which will support housing delivery and help increase community resilience against future climate events.
There is significant long-term unmet housing demand in the greater Westport area, and the IAF funded infrastructure will assist in opening new developable land.
The IAF-funded infrastructure will enable up to 400 new homes to be built within the Alma Road development area, which aims to provide the Westport community with increased housing options on naturally raised land away from existing flood-prone areas.
The infrastructure projects include new stormwater, freshwater and wastewater mains, an arterial road and bridge upgrade, and a new cycleway and footpath.
Christchurch
- IAF funding agreed: $30.9 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 1,400
IAF funding of $30.9 million for new transport infrastructure, wastewater and freshwater upgrades will accelerate housing delivery within a large development area in Papanui, Christchurch.
The wastewater infrastructure will reduce the occurrence of overflows in high rainfall events.
It is expected the infrastructure funding will enable around 1,400 new homes located close to the city centre, educational facilities, public transport, and other community amenities.
Rangiora
- IAF funding agreed: $5.7 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 1,300
Rangiora will receive $5.7 million for transport and three waters projects, which is expected to accelerate the delivery of around 1,300 affordable and market homes within a large housing development in northeast Rangiora.
Kaikōura
- IAF funding agreed: $7.8 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 460
Kaikōura is receiving almost $7.8 million for projects expected to enable approximately 400 houses across two different sites – Vicarage Views, a new subdivision situated within the Kaikōura urban area, and Ocean Ridge an existing subdivision to the west of the town accessed by State Highway 1.
Lake Hāwea
- IAF funding agreed: $24 million
- New homes expected to be enabled: 880
Lake Hāwea will receive $24 million for three waters infrastructure, including a new reticulated wastewater treatment connection, which will improve environmental outcomes and increase network capacity to help meet anticipated growth in the area. It is expected the IAF-funded infrastructure will ultimately enable around 880 new homes, including more affordable housing, both within the Longview Special Housing Area and general housing stock in line with QLDC’s demand projections through to 2041.
How were the projects chosen for funding?
The IAF was launched by the Government as a contestable fund in June 2021. It received a great response from territorial authorities, developers and iwi, with more than 200 applications received during the initial Expressions of Interest period.
Following a robust evaluation process, over 80 applicants were invited to submit a more detailed response to a Request for Proposal (RFP) by December 2021.
In April 2022, 35 of those proposals were invited to enter the final stage, which involved further due diligence and commercial negotiation.
The evaluation process was led by Kāinga Ora and involved input from other Government agencies, with final funding decisions made by the Ministers of Housing and Finance.
All proposals were assessed against key criteria set by Cabinet:
- Housing outcomes (40%): how will the Proposal, if delivered, contribute to the housing outcomes that are the purpose of the IAF?
- Impact of funding (20%): how critical is this funding to advancing the infrastructure and housing development?
- Cost and co-funding (20%): how cost effective is the Proposal and is everyone paying their fair share?
- Capability and readiness (20%): if funding is approved, how certain is it that the project will advance, and at what pace?
Landowners are expected to pay their fair share, and funding from councils and others is required for the housing developments to be realised.
Latest media releases and Government announcements
- February 2023: More new homes possible for Northland through Whangārei infrastructure investment
- November 2022: Thousands of new homes possible for eleven regions through infrastructure investment
- October 2022: Infrastructure funding paves the way for new communities
- July 2022: Over 8,000 new homes possible as $179m of infrastructure fund committed
- May 2022: Thirty-five housing developments in last stage of infrastructure fund
- December 2021: First agreement for infrastructure fund enables additional iwi housing in Porirua
- October 2021: Government infrastructure fund moves to next stage
- September 2021: Government's infrastructure fund for housing accelerates
- June 2021: Infrastructure Acceleration Fund opening for business
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for delivering the infrastructure and building the homes?
The councils are typically the recipients of the funding, and are responsible for delivering the IAF-funded infrastructure. They will work in partnership with developers and iwi, who will build the homes.
The IAF is designed to help councils, iwi and developers overcome the first hurdle – funding for infrastructure. Necessary services like pipes and roads need to be completed before homes can be constructed.
When will the infrastructure works start?
This is just the start of the journey for the IAF-enabled works, and timeframes are dependent on the extent of the infrastructure required. Progress on individual projects will be actively monitored by Kāinga Ora during the delivery phase, to ensure milestones are reached and outcomes achieved.
Funding will be made available as the infrastructure projects reach key milestones.
What type of homes will be enabled?
The infrastructure works funded by the IAF are expected to enable a range of housing developments throughout Aotearoa, including intensification and greenfield developments with a mix of housing types. Affordable, market, public and papakāinga homes are among the planned housing outcomes.
Can I still submit an application to the IAF?
Applications to the IAF have now closed. Territorial authorities, developers and iwi were invited to apply.
More information
- General enquiries: Please email the IAF Team on IAF@kaingaora.govt.nz
- IAF media enquiries: Please direct all media enquiries about the IAF to mediaenquiries@kaingaora.govt.nz
- Background information, including Cabinet papers: Please visit the Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga – Ministry of Housing and Urban Development(external link)
Page updated: 29 February 2024