Crucial PGF investments for Northland

The Provincial Growth Fund is investing nearly $30 million in a diverse range of projects that will create immediate and long-term jobs and lift economic and social outcomes for Northland and its people.

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones made the announcement today in Whangarei.

“These 11 projects will bring around 480 construction and long-term jobs to the region. A number of these jobs will begin immediately as construction starts and over the long term will lead to full-time permanent roles,” Winston Peters said.

“These jobs will have a positive impact on the social and economic outcomes of the communities they are in. More money will get circulating where it is needed and the local economy will be boosted,” Mr Peters said.

“We’re investing in the production of oysters, water, horticulture production, a smoke house, a digital regional hub, a kauri tourism venture, and a number of fencing and waterways projects and renovations of community spaces,” Mr Peters said.

The projects announced today are a mix of loans and grants. 

Rohe Produce Limited will receive a loan of $14 million towards a $70 million project that will see an 8.9ha high-tech glasshouse built at Marsden Point to grow organic specialty tomatoes.

“This glasshouse will be the first of its kind in New Zealand with the use of 100 per cent LED to increase tomatoes yields by 50 per cent per square metre,” Mr Jones said.

“Around 200 construction jobs will be created over a 12-18 month glasshouse build, with 110 permanent jobs once operational year round. This is huge for this region.

“We’re backing Moana New Zealand with a loan to transform its oyster farming operation to lift productivity and create jobs.

“Moana is looking to grow its oyster – tio para - farming operation from 1.2 million to 2 million dozen a year across its oyster farms by using new ‘flip farm’ technology recently developed in New Zealand.

“This technology will revolutionise Moana’s marine farming operation in Coromandel and Northland and create 33 full-time jobs as well as construction jobs,” Mr Jones said.

Aupouri Ngāti Kahu Te Rarawa Trust will receive funding to scale up its enterprise which collects end-of-life tyres region-wide and process them into rubber chips to sell.

“The jobs generated through this venture will be aimed at local youth, in particular rangatahi Māori in Northland.”

Hokianga-based smoked seafood and meat processing company Hoki Smoki Limited will receive a $580,000 loan to increase production of its ready-to-consume high-quality smoked meat and fish products for which there is a high demand.

“Seven full-time and four part-time jobs will be created which is great news for this small isolated community with high unemployment,” Mr Jones said.

“The initiatives funded through the Provincial Growth Fund today will provide immediate jobs and security for locals and over the long term have the ability to open up more economic growth opportunities in Northland and lift the prosperity and wellbeing of its local communities for decades to come.”

Editor’s note

Funding from the Provincial Growth Fund is approved in principle and announced, after which contracts are negotiated. Some funding may depend on completion of business cases. Payments are made once agreed milestones are met. These are set as part of contract negotiations, and differ from project to project.