Northland is poised for a massive growth surge if the current infrastructure project pipeline comes to fruition.
This is according to EMA Chief Executive Brett O’Riley, who has just been involved with the EMA’s Spring Briefing series
for member businesses in Northland.
"We are pleased to see planned infrastructure initiatives from the new floating dock at Northport to new transport
projects powering economic growth in Northland. Avocado farming is booming in the Far North and we were also heartened
to find out more about the opportunity for the Royal New Zealand Navy to potentially re-locate some of its operations to
the Port Whangarei area. These are step-change initiatives for the region."
Mr O’Riley says that the relocation of the Navy would not only be a shot in the arm for Northland, but it could free up
prime land in Auckland at Devonport and Kauri Point.
He says developing a naval base at Whangarei has several additional benefits.
"It could potentially lower housing and living costs for existing and future Navy staff and give the Navy access to a
recruitment pool from Northland and Auckland. It also builds on the marine training expertise at Northtec and the marine
engineering capability of Whangarei-based companies."
The floating dock opportunity in partnership with Northport was stalled in the Provincial Growth Fund process earlier
this year.
"The floating dock is a significant strategic asset for New Zealand for both commercial, super yacht and Navy fleets,
with numerous opportunities for the current business based in Auckland to be expanded as a result. Northport is the
logical location, as it also leverages the significant local heavy engineering capability."
Mr O’Riley says it is also pleasing to see the ongoing regeneration of the Mangawhai and Whangarei town centres. The
soon-to-be completed Hundertwasser museum in Whangarei, and the new Te Arai golf courses south of Mangawhai (on the
border with Auckland Council), will be significant new regional tourism assets for domestic and future international
visitors alike.
"These developments will stimulate further growth in the accommodation sector in Northland," he says.
The EMA plans to continue to expand its presence in Northland working alongside local partners to help grow and expand
the capability of businesses in the region.