Rt Hon Winston Peters
Deputy Prime Minister
Town revitalisation and aquaculture investments create jobs in Ōpōtiki
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has today announced that a $26 million investment in Ōpōtiki will see important
public amenities upgraded and further progress made on new aquaculture opportunities.
“The people of Ōpōtiki have been waiting decades for real investment in key infrastructure, and support for the
incredible aquaculture opportunities that the wider region can provide,” Mr Peters said.
“Unlocking the long neglected potential of the provinces and creating hundreds of new jobs in places such as Ōpōtiki, is
absolutely essential to our country’s recovery from the economic devastation of COVID-19.”
“A total of 245 jobs will be created through the construction and operation of overdue aquaculture infrastructure in
Ōpōtiki, and a further 202 jobs for locals as a result of club renovations and CBD improvements,” Mr Peters said.
The projects announced today are mixture of Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) and Infrastructure Reference Group (IRG) shovel ready projects as follows:
Ōpōtiki CBD Improvement project - $11.9 million
This Ōpōtiki District Council project will include redevelopment of the local Te Tāhuhu o Te Rangi library and a digital
hub, refurbishment of council-owned properties, updated town signage, green space redevelopments, skatepark upgrades,
improvements to signage and access to cycle and heritage trails, and pavement and verandah replacements.
Ōpōtiki Clubs Building Upgrade project - $169,686
This Ōpōtiki District Council project will see renovations made to the local golf club and rugby club. Funding will go
towards refurbishments such as repositioning walls, replacing toilet and shower facilities, adding storage and upgrading
kitchens.
Ōpōtiki Marina and Industrial Park - $8.8 million
This is project will provide infrastructure for the Ōpōtiki Harbour Development including a 1.3 hectare basin, a wharf
on the west bank of the Waioeka River, an access road and other infrastructure required for safe mooring of the dredge
and support vessels involved in the harbour development project.
Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board - $5 million
Funding will be used to invest in Whakatōhea Mussels Ōpōtiki Limited’s (WMOL) mussel farm expansion and a new mussel
processing facility. This funding will accelerate work and enable WMOL to upscale its operations and increase
employment.
Mahi Ora Ōpōtiki programme - $100,000
Funding will help connect employers with potential employees to meet the significant work demands of development in the
Eastern Bay of Plenty – including the Government-funded Ōpōtiki Harbour redevelopment and WOML expansion. It will
support development and implementation of a local workforce development strategy, providing an education to employment
pipeline.
“These investments will enable the people of Ōpōtiki to make significant progress towards their aspirations and will
support thriving communities for years to come,” Mr Peters said.
All approvals are in principle and subject to contract negotiations. Investment values are also subject to change.