Regional Infrastructure Fund allocation aims to improve water storage and unlock economic growth.
The Regional Development Minister, Shane Jones, has announced that up to $41.5 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will be allocated to two major water projects in Northland. The funded projects include a $24m loan for the Otawere Pipeline and a $17.5m loan for the Kaipara Pipeline.
The Otawere Pipeline project involves consolidating the Otawere Reservoir on Waitangi River and expanding its distribution network by 15km. When completed, it will enable 1600ha of productive land in Matawii, Waimate North, and Mid North. The project is expected to employ 52 full-time staff during construction.
The Kaipara Pipeline project includes constructing a 22km pipeline connecting the trust's reservoir near Te Kopuru to Dargaville. This will extend water supply to around 3000ha of prospective horticulture land between Te Kopuru and Dargaville, as well as Silver Fern Farm's processing plant.
The projects aim to increase land-change opportunities in Kaikohe and surrounding areas, and provide a consistent water source for economic growth and development. When combined with existing Regional Infrastructure Fund flood resilience projects, the approach is expected to lead to potential savings of $3m and a shorter delivery time through efficiencies across both projects.