NZ First unveils 'royalties for regions' policy

A new royalties for regions policy has been unveiled by New Zealand First.

Leader Winston Peters has announced it in Whangarei today.

Under the scheme, a percentage of royalties collected by the Government from a region's natural resources would be returned specifically to that region.

"The regions from whence they come get 25 percent of the benefit at least, because that's what's happening to the regions in New Zealand - they're just being left out and forgotten and neglected."

Winston Peters says the money would go into a fund that would be used to fix roads, build health centres, improve water plants and enhance the economic and social quality of life.

He says the West Coast is a prime example as it's rich in natural resources but is totally left out when it comes to things like infrastructure.

"About 85 percent of the land is in the Government's hands and the people are expected to survive with the ratings system from the rest. It simply doesn't work."

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