Councils have long battled high infrastructure costs, can $400m fund change that?
Home / New Zealand / PoliticsBen LeahyReporter·NZ Herald·28 May, 2026 07:06 AM3 mins to readKatie Bradford's top takeaways of the Budget 2026, says "there's no big surprises." Video / NZ HeraldTo follow the latest Budget coverage, click here for our live blog.Councils will be given cash bonuses for each home they give planning approval to under a $400 million Budget 2026 fund the Government hopes will lift the housing supply.
New houses typically cost councils
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
In a tight Budget 2026, will money go where it’s needed most – or to political priorities?
Government sets aside $400m to fix disaster-prone state highways
This isn’t an easy budget for Auckland. It’s an honest one
‘Sugar hits’ kept to a minimum, the Budget at a glance
Housing crisis: Grants to turn space above shops into homes could be ‘game changer’
Council buys land for $1, but what's the catch?
Further details of Growth Fund revealed in Budget.
The Government topped up its capital allowance ahead of Budget 2026.
Treasury slashes forecast house growth for the third time in a row.
There's a large number of individual saving initiatives.
Schools and hospitals get a big boost - but banks face a surprise tax.
Check the prospects for your pay, house, or future dream home.
