Water projects in Northland have been earmarked to receive up to $41.5 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to boost the region’s water security and unlock economic growth.
Regional Development Minister, Shane Jones said the water projects will significantly improve water storage and security in the Mid Far North and enable economic growth through consistent access to water and irrigation infrastructure for horticulture and land development.
The funded projects are:
- Otawere Pipeline – $24m loan;
- Kaipara Pipeline – $17.5m loan.
The Otawere Pipeline project will see Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust consolidate the Otawere Reservoir on Waitangi River and expand its distribution network by 15km.
“This will provide water to a larger area of the community, and link to other key Mid Far North water storage projects to increase land-change opportunities in Kaikohe and surrounding areas,” Mr Jones says.
When complete, the infrastructure will enable 1,600ha of productive land for Matawii, Waimate North and Mid North. The project will also employ 52 full-time staff during construction.
Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust will also receive up to $17.5m in the form of a loan to construct a 22km pipeline connecting the trust’s recently completed reservoir near Te Kopuru, to Dargaville.
“The Kaipara pipeline will extend to around 3,000ha of prospective horticulture land between Te Kopuru and Dargaville and to Silver Fern Farm’s processing plant, the largest employer in the area,” said Minister Jones.
“The plant faces challenges maintaining the continuous water supply it needs to keep operating throughout summer. Extending the pipeline to the processing plant will ensure a reliable water supply and continuous peak season operation.”
As part of this project, Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust and Kaipara District Council will combine the delivery of the Kaipara pipeline with an existing $7.8m Regional Infrastructure Fund flood resilience project, the Dargaville to Te Kōpuru stopbank upgrade.
The combined approach will lead to potential savings of $3m and a shorter delivery time through efficiencies across both projects.
“The Government’s investment in water is addressing barriers to development in regions like Northland, where a consistent water source is needed to unlock economic, environmental, and recreational resources for its communities,” Mr Jones says.
