Regional development has been a major focus of the coalition government.

The Fast Track Bill, the return of oil and gas exploration and the Regional Infrastructure Fund is all promised to get work back to the regions and help them thrive. 

And the man running the show is the so-called Matua of Mining and Prince of the Provinces, Shane Jones.

He’s the Minister for oceans and fisheries, regional development, and resources – and there’s not an endangered frog or a surfing hippie that’s going to get in his way.

Today on The Front Page, Jones joins us to discuss his reckons on what’s best for the regions, and whether you can fight climate change at the same time as backing provincial New Zealand.

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You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Sound Engineer/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Ethan Sills

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