Regional Development Minister Shane Jones has allocated up to $3 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for pre-construction development of the Tukituki Water Security Project in Hawke's Bay.
The grant, which is being co-funded by the project itself, will be used to investigate the technical, environmental, and commercial viability of a water storage site and distribution network on the Makaroro River. Minister Jones made the announcement at the Regional Growth Summit in Hastings, where he highlighted the need for safe and reliable water supply due to climate change.
The Minister also opened the Foodeast-Haumako innovation hub, which was funded by the Provincial Growth Fund with $12 million. The hub aims to grow and diversify Hawke's Bay' food sector by facilitating growth and development of new markets.
According to Mr Jones, "Doing nothing is no longer an option" when it comes to addressing water security concerns in Hawke's Bay. The Tukituki Water Security Project is expected to address these concerns, while the Foodeast-Haumako hub will support the region's food and beverage industry.