The Gisborne region is to receive another $152 million from the Provincial Growth Fund, the lion’s share of it earmarked for critical roading infrastructure improvements.
The latest announcement, made by Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones on September 7, builds on commitments made earlier in the year and brings total PGF funding to date for the region to $390 million.
Of the latest tranche, $137 million is to be invested to unlock Gisborne’s economic potential through stronger, safer and more resilient transport connections.
Locals have suffered for too long with sub-standard roading as a result of historic under-investment, exacerbated by extreme weather events. They need better connectivity in order to get goods from farm gates and forests to the local and global market, and to better support the region’s growing tourism industry.
A total of $13.3 million is allocated for tourism projects, including a $5.5 million contribution towards the cost of upgrading the airport terminal and supporting infrastructure. Other highlights include $1.3 million for forestry projects, including skills training for young people, and over $1 million for projects in the food and beverage sector.
With Gisborne facing significant infrastructure challenges, high unemployment and lower productivity, this is a nod to Gisborne’s economic future potential and an example of the Government partnering with the regions to connect people and markets and support businesses to thrive.
Below is a full list of investments announcements:
|
Project |
Description |
PGF Funding |
|
Tairāwhiti Roading Package |
Package of upgrades to the roading network across the Gisborne region |
Up to $137m |
|
Mt Titirangi - Puhi Kai Iti Connection |
To build ‘Titirangi - Puhi Kai iti’ landscape and facilities, including a new wananga, and a bridge other facilities at the Cooks Landing Site |
Up to $6.1m |
|
Gisborne Airport |
Redevelopment of the Gisborne Airport terminal building and supporting infrastructure |
$5.5m |
|
Cooks Landing Restoration |
Restoration of the Cook Landing Site (CLS) National Historic Reserve |
$1.6m |
|
New Zealand Macadamia Industry Development Project |
Growing macadamia on Maori land for export |
$995,000 |
|
Tairāwhiti Rail Feasibility Study |
Feasibility 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 $600,000 |
|
Far East Sawmill |
To recommission and improve a Gisborne mill site |
$500,000 |
|
Manaia Forestry Skills Training (Priority) |
Feasibility study to establish a ManaiaSAFE Forestry School |
$301,000 |
|
Regional Action Plan Programme Manager |
The 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. |
$90,000 |
|
Tairāwhiti Honey Strategy |
Development of a Tairāwhiti Manuka Honey strategy |
$40,000 |
|
Water and Waste Management |
Application for a feasibility study on a water recycling plant and waste management initiative |
$30,000 |
