The government is attempting to jump-start economic activity in the regions by bringing forward more than $600 million in spending from its Provincial Growth Fund.
Millions have been promised for water management projects and transport upgrades, as well as $70 million to maintain marae, community halls, Pasifika churches and war memorials.
Spending the money sooner will mean that some projects earmarked for funding later on will miss out.
Minister of Regional Economic Development Shane Jones speaks to Corin Dann.
