Fletcher Tabuteau
Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development
10 June 2019
MEDIA STATEMENT
MONDAY 10 JUNE
The Wairoa community is set to benefit from Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) investment in digital connectivity, business
expansion, roading, and skills and employment initiatives, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Regional Economic
Development Fletcher Tabuteau announced today.
The Wairoa district will receive $9.1 million from a wider PGF investment package of $68.3 million for the Hawke’s Bay.
“The PGF is committed to lifting the productivity of towns like Wairoa that face high unemployment and an ageing
population. The investments announced today will bring some relief to the much-needed infrastructure needs that will
help this rural community lift its social and economic prospects,” Fletcher Tabuteau said.
The investments announced for Wairoa today are:
Wāiroa High Productivity Motor Vehicle (HPMV) upgrades – $2.2 million
Ngati Pāhauwera Horticulture, Forestry, and Land Enhancement project – $6.5 million (PGF Whenua Māori fund investment of
$5.5 million and Te Uru Rakau One Billion Trees programme of $1 million.)
The Limery, Wairoa Facility Expansion – $355,000
QRS - Growing Employment opportunities and enhancing organisation capability – $60,000
Connecting 11 marae in the region to reliable and fast broadband
The Wāiroa High Productivity Motor Vehicle (HPMV) project brings roads up to standards that HPMV’s can operate on, and
prioritises proposals that result in fewer trucks on roads, reduced wear and tear on road infrastructure, and increases
in regional productivity.
The PGF will also work with Māori landowners in Wairoa through the PGF’s Whenua Māori fund and through Te Uru Rakau’s
One Billion Trees programme.
“Our $5.5 million investment in Ngāti Pāhauwera Commercial Development Ltd has the potential to convert and develop 82
hectares of flat, unproductive land into productive horticulture over the next three years.
“The project will look to employ up to 40 local people through the development of this land.
“The PGF will further its commitment to Māori in the region through connecting 11 marae to the internet.
“By digitally connecting 11 marae in the region, this investment will enable locals to seize business and education
opportunities while helping whānau connect with their iwi. These marae will be connected as part of the PGF local
digital connectivity funding package of $21 million which helps connect marae to the internet.
The PGF will also enable a local business to expand its operations in the region.
“The Limery is a prime example of smart local people maximising the opportunities that horticulture brings to the
region. That’s why the PGF is proud to help enable the facility to expand its operations, which will create three
full-time jobs on top of the four already there, as well as increase the number of seasonal workers.
“Today’s announcements will bring employment and improved social and economic outcomes for people in Wairoa and the
wider region, and this is what the PGF is all about.
“Wairoa has been a town that has not only faced significant economic and social challenges, it has often found it
difficult to be heard by central government. It is personally pleasing to see the needs of Wairoa being taken seriously
by this Government.
“I look forward to continuing this important work with all the key stakeholders in the Wairoa community,” Fletcher
Tabuteau said.
Wāiroa High Productivity Motor Vehicle (HPMV) upgrades
Wairoa District Council
$2.2 million
Ngati Pāhauwera Horticulture, Forestry, and Land Enhancement project
Ngati Pāhauwera Commercial Development Limited
$6.5 million (PGF Whenua Māori fund investment of $5.5 million and Te Uru Rakau One Billion Trees programme with $1
million.)
The Limery, Wairoa - Facility Expansion
Kopu Road Orchards
$355,000
QRS - Growing Employment opportunities and enhancing organisation capability
Quality Roading and Services (Wairoa) Limited
$60,000
ends