Investing to kick-start key infrastructure in Kaipara

  • Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern
  • Hon Shane Jones
Prime Minister Regional Economic Development

The Government will help pave the way for future economic growth in Kaipara with a $20.39m investment from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) to strengthen the district’s transport infrastructure and food and horticulture sector.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones made the announcement at Otamatea Marae in Kaipara today.

”There has been a long history of underinvestment in Northland, particularly in infrastructure. The Government is absolutely committed to investing in the public services and infrastructure that make our country and communities strong,” Jacinda Ardern said.

“The PGF is at the heart of our Government’s plan to grow New Zealand’s regions and ensure all New Zealanders share in a strong and growing economy.  One of the key priorities of the PGF is investing in infrastructure to create strong regional foundations, create new long-term jobs and drive growth.

“Reliable transport infrastructure is crucial to Northland’s economic success as it affects every part of the region’s economy. Strengthening transport links is critical to fully unlocking the potential of the North and enable new opportunities for local people and business.

“That’s why we have announced that the Government will invest $19.41 million to upgrade transport links in Kaipara.  An additional $6.84 million will be invested from the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF); this plus local contributions bring the total investment in Kaipara transport infrastructure to $27.26 million.

“We will also explore upgrading Kaipara wharves and water transport with the Kaipara Moana helping the district leverage more benefits from the Kaipara Harbour, the biggest in New Zealand.

“The Government will also invest $980,000 towards Kaipara Kai – a project that will explore new crop and stock types, and aquaculture opportunities for the region. The initiative will also promote high-value cropping on the district’s significant fertile whenua assets by utilising existing soil and crop research and environmental best-practice. This will move faming activities further up the value chain as well as developing capability in the local farming community.

Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones said the projects will not only enable greater land utilisation but also create more resilient communities and have significant environmental impacts for the district.

“From primary industry to tourism, Northland is primed for strong growth and resilient, reliable transport network is an important part of achieving this growth,” Shane Jones said.

“Local people have told us that infrastructure is a priority for them and a key enabler of future economic growth. Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to working with regions to generate new economic opportunities.

“When the Provincial Growth Fund was established, core infrastructure investment was identified as a powerful catalyst for regional development. Today’s commitment to Kaipara will help the region leverage its substantial assets in the primary sector and generate meaningful and sustainable economic growth.

“While there are improvements, we know that Northland still faces significant economic and social challenges, such as 5.6 per cent unemployment which is far above the national rate, and an economy that has been growing much slower than the national average.

“Investments like those announced today demonstrate our commitment to tackle these challenges and turn around the economic fortunes of the North and its people,” Shane Jones said.

Notes to editors: 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.

PGF Funding announced today (Roads $14.46m, Moana $4.95m, Kai $0.98m)
Project Description PGF Funding
Pouto Road Phase 1 Extending the sealed portion of Pouto Road $5.05m
Kaipara Moana (Wharves analysis and implementation) Investigating wharves and water transport in the Kaipara harbour, including $4.0m for implementation $4.95m
Road re-metalling Improving quality of existing roads $3.15m*
Pouto Road Phases 2 Complete sealing to Pouto Point $3.13m
Waipoua River Road Improving safety and access $1.6m**
Programme Support Additional resource to assist Kaipara District Council to deliver the investment programme. $1.3m
Kaipara Kai Develop a potential 50,000 hectares of fertile land into a sustainable horticultural area $0.98m
50MAX HPMV (High productivity motor vehicle) network Upgrade bridge and road network allowing access for larger, more efficient trucks $0.23m***
Total   $20.39m

*Plus additional $4.91m contribution from NLTF

** Plus additional $10,000 contribution from Te Roroa Iwi

*** Plus additional $1.93m contribution from NLTF and $1.0m from Kaipara District Council

Northland Provincial Growth Fund announcements to date:
Project Description Amount
Business Case Development – Northland Rail Upgrade Exploring upgrade of the North Auckland (rail) Line (NAL), running from Auckland to Otiria in the Far North. $0.5m
Twin Coast Discovery Route Support for the next step in the Twin Coast Discovery Route (TCDR) programme, delivering transport improvements across Northland. Up to $6.25m
Hundertwasser Arts Centre Construction of the Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Maori Art Gallery. $9.94m
Ngāti Rehia Kauri Sanctuary Opportunity for research and control of kauri dieback in a contained plantation environment, with training and education opportunities. $288,000
Ngāti Rangi Manuka and Kanuka oil distillery Development of a business ecosystem based on extraction of the essential oils of manuka and kanuka. Up to

$70,000

Ngati Hine Forestry Trust Joint Venture Te Uru Rākau and Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust to plant and manage 3,600ha of pine trees. $6m
Ngati Hine Manuka Planting Training Programme A mānuka plantation and training/work experience programme for 40 trainees over two years. $1.89m
Opua Wharf Construction of a new concrete pontoon, 111 metres long and 4 metres wide at Opua Wharf. $0.89m
Paihia Wharf Extend, upgrade, maintain and operate the Paihia Wharf. $2.97m
Russell Wharf Upgrade to Russell Wharf including floating concrete pontoons, dinghy dock and a wharf extension. $1.114m
Kawakawa Tourism Hub Develop Te Hononga Interpretive Centre, a cultural tourism hub facility in Kawakawa $2.378m
Waipapa Intersection Improvement Safety improvements to intersection at Waipapa $9m
Totara Industry Proposal - pilot A two-year pilot to test the validity of establishing an indigenous tōtara wood industry in Northland. $0.45m
Hihiaua Stage One Initial stage of a wider plan to develop the Hihiaua Peninsula into a contemporary Maori precinct. $1.075m
Manea Footprints of Kupe Establish an interactive Cultural Heritage Tourism and Education Centre in Opononi, Hokianga. $4.6m
Bay of Islands Airport Terminal Upgrade Construction of new terminal building for BOI Airport. $1.75m
Marine travel lift Purchase and installation of a marine travel lift in Whangarei to assist boat-building and refitting services. $4.84m
Waitangi Mountain Bike Park Construction and delivery of the final stage of WMBP including bike trails and jumps and associated infrastructure. $0.49m
Total:   $54.5m