Provincial fund boost for Kaiko¯ura coast
A project to revitalise Kaiko¯ura’s southeastern coastline has been given a $10 million injection by the Provincial Growth Fund.
The Kaiko¯ ura Marina Redevelopment Programme will turn part of Wakatu Quay, between the Esplanade and the seal colony, into a commercial, retail and hospitality hub intended to boost the town’s tourism offerings. The proposal was made by the Kaiko¯ ura District Council, with
$9.88m going to the design and build of the Wakatu Quay project, and
$1m set aside for a study into how South Bay Harbour and surrounding areas could be improved.
Kaiko¯ura mayor Craig Mackle said Wakatu Quay was once home to the district’s largest employers, with the Pier Hotel still drawing visitors to the wharf each year, but the area had become ‘‘sadly run down’’. ‘‘This is an exciting and significant endorsement of Kaiko¯ ura’s recovery and its bright future ... To me, this place is paradise and our future looks better today than it ever has,’’ Mackle said.
‘‘Following the 2016 earthquake, the council’s vision of an economically prosperous Kaiko¯ ura that is a great place to live, shaped the development of these two projects. They are geared towards providing jobs, attracting investment and enabling sustainable growth.’’
Regional Economic Development parliamentary undersecretary Fletcher Tabuteau announced the grant yesterday, saying it was a good time to support economic development as the town battled financial problems.
A financial report released in October warned the council would need to keep operating costs to a minimum to survive the next five years, as the smallest district council in mainland New Zealand recovering from the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in 2016.
‘‘Tourism is one of Kaiko¯ura’s largest employers and main industries. The Kaiko¯ ura Marina Development Programme begins the process of increasing the tourism destinations available in Kaiko¯ ura,’’ Tabuteau said. The projects could create up to 50 new jobs and up to 100 indirect new jobs in the wider Kaiko¯ ura region, he said.
The design of the Wakatu Quay development would celebrate the link between Kaiko¯ ura and its marine environment, and include dining, retail and Kaiko¯ ura cultural elements. ‘‘The purpose of the Wakatu Quay redevelopment will mean visitors can take in the beauty of the surrounding scenes including the Seaward Kaiko¯ura Range,’’ Tabuteau said.
‘‘The PGF boost will also provide the foundation for the future development of South Bay Harbour, which is currently the launching site for the marine eco-tourism operators, commercial fishing sectors and recreational users.’’
Both the Wakatu Quay development and the South Bay study aligned with the Canterbury Regional Economic Development Strategy. Its regional visitor aims had a strong focus on sustainable growth in tourism, Tabuteau said.
Mackle said: ‘‘Over my lifetime, South Bay Harbour has grown from something of a local playground where you knew to stay out of the fishermen’s way, to a busy gateway to our marine world. Hundreds of people pass through it every day, on their way to swim with dolphins, watch whales, catch crays, fish, dive or enjoy paradise out on the water.’’
‘‘This is an exciting and significant endorsement of Kaiko¯ura’s recovery.’’ Craig Mackle Kaiko¯ ura mayor