The special economic zones (SEZs) are aimed at driving regional investment and growth through targeted tax and regulatory incentives.
New Zealand’s Regional Development Minister Shane Jones has announced plans to submit a proposal to the Cabinet for the establishment of special economic zones (SEZs).
This announcement was made by the New Zealand Government on 5 August 2025.
These zones aim to boost investment and stimulate economic growth by offering favourable regulatory frameworks and tax incentives, such as enhanced depreciation allowances and initial tax holiday periods.
“A refurbished tank, a collaboration between Channel Infrastructure and Z Energy, will soon help power the country’s aviation sector by supplying jet fuel to Auckland Airport through the pipeline spanning Marsden Point to Wiri,” Mr Jones says.
“As I announced earlier this year, I am particularly interested in how we, as a country, develop these areas further and attract investment into our regions. I will be taking a paper to the Cabinet soon on the use of special economic zones (SEZs) to do just that. With attractive regulatory regimes and tax treatment, SEZs could be the fuel that really gets New Zealand’s economic engine roaring.”
