Working with Govt for growth
As you may know, on Friday the Government committed another $6.7 million from the Provincial Growth Fund for infrastructure projects in the Far North.
The announcement was made at Paihia by Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones along with fellow Northlanders, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis and MP Willow-Jean Prime.
The funding will go towards a new terminal at Bay of Islands Airport ($1.75m), a super-yacht pontoon in Opua ($890,000), and upgrades to wharves at Paihia ($2.97m) and Russell ($1.114m).
It comes on top of $16m already committed in February to Far North projects from the Provincial Growth Fund.
This fund will spend $1 billion a year creating jobs, encouraging sustainable growth, and enhancing social inclusion in New Zealand’s provinces.
It’s not a lolly scramble; Far North communities and organisations, like the council, have committed many hours — even years — on these projects and funding is only offered once. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and an Independent Advisory Panel, have scrutinised each project.
As a district, we’ve done very well out of the fund. Without the Provincial Growth Fund, that money would have been sourced from multiple funding agencies and, in some cases, from ratepayers.
The fact we’ve done so well is testament to the hard work community and other organisations in the Far North have put into these projects.
They stack-up financially, environmentally and socially, and will make our district a better place to live.
Last Friday’s announcement on the funding included two projects that will have an impact throughout the district because of their strategic importance.
Bay of Islands Airport is one of the fastest growing regional airports in the country and in 2017 was used by 96,000 travellers. It is working at capacity and airport operator, Far North Holdings, is already committed to upgrading the facility.
Paihia Wharf is another vital transport link struggling to keep up with existing passenger ferry services and extra demands from cruise ship arrivals and tourism charters.
The business case for tackling these projects is clear and immediate and to delay investment would hamper growth of the whole district.
There’s more to the fund than transport infrastructure. A good example of what can be achieved is the Manea Footprints of Kupe Cultural Heritage and Education Centre in Opononi.
The Provincial Growth Fund committed $4.6m to the project in February. This will create up to 14 full-time jobs and provide additional tourism opportunities for our West Coast.
Any organisation can apply to this fund and I strongly encourage them to do so.
"It’s not a lolly scramble; Far North communities and organisations, like the council, have committed many hours — even years — on these projects and funding is only offered once."