The government of New Zealand has announced that it is investing $12.5 million NZD ($7.23 million USD) towards the development of Ōpōtiki Marina in the Bay of Plenty.
The investment will be made through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support the construction of a marina basin, wharf and piers, a boat ramp and related marine infrastructure. Up to 87 jobs will be supported during construction, the New Zealand government said in an announcement on 13 July.
Regional development minister Shane Jones said that the marina “will provide year-round safe berthing for aquaculture and commercial vessels, improve the efficiency of mussel harvesting and servicing operations, and support further investment in marine industries”.
The announcement added that funding for the development is made up of a loan and equity. The latest investment builds on a “significant investment” already made by central government, iwi (tribes) and local government to establish aquaculture farms, a mussel spat facility in Te Kaha, and a mussel-processing facility and a new harbour entrance in Ōpōtiki.
