Funding step-change
Friday’s announcement of almost $7 million in government money for Far North infrastructure upgrades is a stepchange in the district’s development, Far North mayor John Carter says. The money, from the Regional Growth Fund, included $1.75m for a new terminal at Bay of Islands Airport and wharf upgrades at Paihia ($2.97m), Russell ($1.11m) and Opua ($890,000). Mr Carter said the funding signalled real and positive change for Far North residents. “We know we have an incredible amount of potential in our district. The minister demonstrated his confidence that we can turn that potential into sustainable development, providing longterm jobs and growth for our people . . . I want to thank Minister Shane Jones for recognising just how important investing in regional economies is for New Zealand.”