Information for councils and stakeholders

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Regional Deals Strategic Framework

The Regional Deals Strategic Framework provides details of how Regional Deals works. The framework draws on the experiences of other countries where city and regional deal models have opened significant opportunities for economic growth.

Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa New Zealand Government Regional Deals Strategic Framework cover image of rural landscape from the air

Regional Deals Strategic Framework (Beehive website, PDF, 3MB) 

Timeframes and sequencing

Milestone

Date

Cabinet decisions on first regions to progress into MOUs

June 2025

MoU Signing 

July 2025

Deal negotiations with selected regions

August – September 2025

Local Government Elections 

October 2025

Final deal negotiations

November 2025

First regional deal finalised

December 2025

Two additional regional deals finalised

By October 2026

Process for future rounds of proposals and deals (TBC)

2026 onwards

Getting selected for a deal

Regions will be selected and prioritised based on criteria outlined in the Regional Deals Strategic Framework. Head to our information for councils page for information about how proposals will be assessed:

The role of private and iwi/Māori organisations

City and Regional Deals primarily involve partnerships between local councils and central government. There is significant opportunity for collaboration from the private sector and iwi/Māori organisations. Local government is responsible for identifying opportunities for involvement and engaging with private sector entities and Māori organisations.

All deals are required to honour pre-existing Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations.

Definition of ‘region’ for Regional Deals

Regions for Regional Deals can include regional, sub-regional, or other suitable areas, as long as they are clearly defined economic and geographic areas with functioning local authorities.

Keep an eye on this page for more information about Regional Deals as work progresses.