MEDIA RELEASE
28 May 2026

For immediate release

Budget 2026 brings welcome SH25 and SH26 for Hauraki Coromandel, with more opportunities ahead

Today’s Budget 2026 delivers much‑needed investment in state highway resilience for Hauraki Coromandel, providing reassurance for residents, businesses and visitors who rely on safe and reliable access to the region.

The Government has committed $20m of funding to strengthen State Highway 25 around the Coromandel Peninsula, alongside upgrades to State Highway 26, as part of a national programme focused on keeping key routes open during and after severe weather events.

Kylie Hawker‑Green, General Manager of Destination Hauraki Coromandel, says the roading investment is critical for a region that depends on year‑round access.

"For Coromandel, SH25 is our lifeline. When it’s closed or unreliable, the impacts are felt immediately by local businesses, workers and visitors,” says Hawker‑Green.

"Funding that focuses on resilience and prevention, rather than repeated emergency repairs, is critical for restoring confidence in the region."

“This investment recognises that access equals resilience for our communities and for our visitor economy.”

The Budget also confirms a significant increase in funding for tourism infrastructure and system capability in 2026/27, supported through the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). This funding is designed to support visitor‑related infrastructure, destination capability and the systems needed to manage tourism growth.

"This is an important signal for regions like Hauraki Coromandel,” says Hawker‑Green.

“We experience high visitor pressure on local infrastructure, particularly during peak seasons, and our councils and communities carry much of that cost.”

While the funding is not allocated to specific regions, Hawker‑Green says there is a strong case for Hauraki Coromandel to be considered as investment priorities are developed.

“We see this as an opportunity, and we intend to be actively involved in the process,” she says.

“Hauraki Coromandel aligns closely with the purpose of IVL investment — protecting the visitor experience, easing pressure on local infrastructure, and ensuring tourism benefits both visitors and residents.”

The combination of roading resilience investment and increased tourism infrastructure funding is an encouraging foundation for the region’s visitor economy, Hawker‑Green says.

“Reliable roads get people here. Well‑planned tourism infrastructure ensures their visit is positive, safe and sustainable,” she says.

“We’ll be working with councils, iwi and central government to make sure Hauraki Coromandel is ready to put forward strong, evidence‑based proposals as these funding opportunities progress.”

ENDS

For more: Kylie Hawker-Green, kylie@haurakicoromandel.com, Ph 027 444 3939