The Government is investing $20.39 million into Northland's Kaipara district to help strengthen the region's transport infrastructure and horticulture sector.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones at Otamatea Marae in Kaipara this morning.
"There has been a long history of underinvestment in Northland, particularly in infrastructure. The Government is absolutely committed to investing in the public services and infrastructure that make our country and communities strong," Ms Ardern said in a statement.
"Reliable transport infrastructure is crucial to Northland’s economic success as it affects every part of the region’s economy. Strengthening transport links is critical to fully unlocking the potential of the North and enable new opportunities for local people and business."
Of the $20.39 million, the Government will invest $19.41 million from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF), which will go towards upgrading transport links, while an additional $6.84 million will be invested from the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF). The amount, including local contributions, will bring the total investment into the region's transport infrastructure to $27.26 million.
"The Government will also explore upgrading Kaipara wharves and water transport with the Kaipara Moana helping the district leverage more benefits from the Kaipara Harbour, the biggest in New Zealand," she said.
Another $980,000 will go towards Kaipara Kai, a project exploring new crop and stock types, the region's aquaculture opportunities, and to "move farming activities further up the value chain".
Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones said the projects will enable greater land use, while also creating more resilient communities with a positive environmental impact on the region.
"From primary industry to tourism, Northland is primed for strong growth and resilient, reliable transport network is an important part of achieving this growth," Mr Jones said.
"Investments like those announced today demonstrate our commitment to tackle these challenges and turn around the economic fortunes of the North and its people."
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