Fletcher Tabuteau, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development
The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) will invest in roading and water storage infrastructure to catalyse primary industry growth in the Central Hawke's Bay, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau announced in Waipukurau today.
The Central Hawke's Bay will receive more than $40 million from the PGF to support the following initiatives:
- Route 52 Waipukurau to Porangahau - $20,100,000
- Hawke's Bay Water - Tukituki Project $14,700,000
- Central Hawke's Bay upgrades to meet High Productivity Motor Vehicles standards - $350,000
- Dannevirke Rail Hub Evaluation and Construction - $4,400,000
- Ngā Ara Tipuna - Waipukurau Pā Site Interpretation project - $119,764
- Exploring Central Hawke's Bay economic development opportunities - $272,640
"The primary sector is a principal driver of the Hawke's Bay economy, ranging from intensive horticulture to pastoral farming and forestry - and there's a lot of growth expected in the coming years," Fletcher Tabuteau said.
"The kiwifruit industry is looking to expand its planting to exceed 100 hectares per year over the next five to seven years, and an increase in logging is predicted by 2028.
"To support this growth, producers need a reliable roading infrastructure, as well as water, to connect producers to their market.
"Sustainability of freshwater supplies is critical so today we're announcing a major PGF investment in water storage with funding for the first step of pre-feasibility work for the development and construction of the Tukituki water project.
