Hon STUART NASH (Minister for Economic and Regional Development): I recently released an independent valuation of the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) that showed it has made a huge impact in a very short time frame. By providing investments into regions that have been historically underfunded, the Provincial Growth Fund has helped build a strong, resilient economy. For example, the report noted—and I quote—"Importantly, [in the midst of a] pandemic the PGF has contributed to [increasing] optimism within communities.", and "As well as economic benefits, the [societal], and environmental benefits of PGF were palpable in the interviews with many tangata whenua." To date, the PGF has committed $3 billion in funding, with $1.87 billion paid out so far. Of the 1,359 projects approved for funding, over 500 have already been completed, resulting in over 16,000 jobs and improved economic outcomes for our regions.