Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern
Prime Minister
MP for Mt Albert
7 September 2018Developing jobs, transport and business together in Tairawhiti
The Government is partnering with the Tairāwhiti region on opportunities to develop jobs, transport and businesses with
a $152.7 million investment package, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today.
The Prime Minister is in Tairāwhiti today alongside Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones to announce
funding from the Provincial Growth Fund.
“I’m delighted to be in Tairāwhiti today to announce a package of funding that will help boost Tairāwhiti’s economy,
create jobs and enhance tourism opportunities,” Jacinda Arden says.
“Tairāwhiti offers a unique quality of life combined with genuine business and economic opportunities. However, it faces
significant infrastructure challenges, high unemployment and lower productivity.
“That’s why the Government is investing $152.7 million through the Provincial Growth Fund to ensure that Tairāwhiti
reaches its potential.”
Projects that will be announced today include investments of:
• $137 million to unlock Tairāwhiti’s economic potential through stronger, safer and more resilient transport
connections
• $13.3 million for tourism projects to attract more visitors to the region
• $1.3 million for forestry projects, including skills training for young people
• over $1 million for projects in the food and beverage sector.
“The projects funded through today’s announcement reflect the priorities of the Tairāwhiti Economic Action Plan which
emphasise the need to connect people and markets and support businesses to thrive.
“This is a significant boost for Tairāwhiti and is evidence of this government partnering with the region to invest in
projects that will help contribute to a better future for rangitahi and everyone here,” said Jacinda Ardern.
The full list of projects included in today’s announcement is provided below.
ProjectDescriptionPGF FundingTairāwhiti Roading PackagePackage of upgrades to the roading network across the Gisborne regionUp to $137mMt Titirangi - Puhi Kai Iti ConnectionTo build ‘Titirangi - Puhi Kai iti’ landscape and facilities, including a new wananga, and a bridge other facilities at
the Cooks Landing SiteUp to $6.1mGisborne AirportRedevelopment of the Gisborne Airport terminal building and supporting infrastructure$5.5mCooks Landing RestorationRestoration of the Cook Landing Site (CLS) National Historic Reserve$1.6mNew Zealand Macadamia Industry Development ProjectGrowing macadamia on Maori land for export$995,000Tairāwhiti Rail Feasibility StudyFeasibility study for a rail tourism venture, including an extended Gisborne-Napier rail cycleway, and use of the Wairoa
to Gisborne line for freight purposes (joint study)Up to $600,000Far East SawmillTo recommission and improve a Gisborne mill site$500,000Manaia Forestry Skills Training (Priority)Feasibility study to establish a ManaiaSAFE Forestry School$301,000Regional Action Plan Programme ManagerThe Programme Manager role has been both valuable and crucial to coordination and reporting on project progress, and
coordinating effort in order to accelerate the region’s growth.$90,000Tairāwhiti Honey StrategyDevelopment of a Tairāwhiti Manuka Honey strategy$40,000Water and Waste ManagementApplication for a feasibility study on a water recycling plant and waste management initiative$30,000
ends