Good for Kaikohe — and Auckland

Travelling through Auckland recently, I was reminded of the often-stated claim,

‘What’s good for Auckland is good for New Zealand.’ No explanation has ever been given in my hearing, but it got me thinking that what is good for Kaikohe is good for Auckland. Let me give some examples.

We hear the new geothermal power station is progressing well. It will double the 100 per cent renewable power output from the Ngawha geothermal field, will create numerous opportunities for the Far North, and is good for Kaikohe. It is good for Auckland also, as currently most of Northland’s power is transmitted through Auckland from the south over Transpower’s network.

The new power station will reduce the demand on these transmission lines into Auckland, and with future expansion it will be a nett exporter of power south to Whanga¯rei, potentially allowing for greater growth in Auckland’s power demands.

Then we have the recent announcement of $18 million from the PGF towards creating water storage solutions in the Mid North and Kaipara. Enhanced water storage options around Kaikohe would enable thousands of hectares of excellent soils to be developed for horticulture. It will be good for Kaikohe, as returns from horticultural land are far greater, it will create many direct and indirect jobs and training opportunities, and many supporting industries will be needed.

It will also be good for Auckland, which, over recent years, has lost 30 per cent of its Pukekohe soils to housing. Having an alternative supply of healthy fruits and vegetables has to be good for Auckland.

Proposed development at Ngawha Springs will attract tourists to Kaikohe. This will be good for Kaikohe, and given that Aucklanders account for 70 to 75 per cent of our tourists, it will be good for Auckland to have another geothermal attraction so close. Likewise, the Twin Coast Cycle Trail, Pou Herenga Tai, gives Aucklanders fantastic scenery, a safe ride, exercise, and a connection with rural New Zealand.

Good for Auckland, and good for Kaikohe, because it passes right through the town, supports local businesses, and is attracting new businesses into Kaikohe.

Finally, the Ngawha Innovation and Enterprise Park, which is currently being designed, will be good for Kaikohe as it will create exciting opportunities for zero-carbon manufacturing and the potential for adding value to local agricultural, horticultural and forestry products. It will be good for Auckland as it will create large-scale investment opportunities, food products for the Auckland market, and will potentially help Auckland in creating affordable homes.

I’m sure Kerikeri, Kaitaia and the Bay of Islands could give similar lists showing what’s good for them is good for Auckland. How many other rural towns in both the North and South Island could do likewise?

Perhaps the conclusion is ‘What’s good for rural New Zealand is good for Auckland.’

"Enhanced water storage options around Kaikohe would enable thousands of hectares of excellent soils to be developed for horticulture. "