Govt commits $2.5m to marine farming

The government has committed more than $2.5 million from the Provincial Growth Fund to help expand marine farming at Opotiki. Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones said three projects — including studies for the redevelopment of the district’s harbour — would help the Eastern Bay of Plenty benefit from its aquaculture potential. The local Whakatohea iwi has interests in forestry, dairy farming, kiwifruit and fisheries. In 2016 it started its first commercial harvest of mussels from an offshore farm. Jones said the Whakatohea Maori Trust Board will receive up to $950,000 to prepare a business case to accelerate the development of its aquaculture interests and other settlement assets.