Government Invests $12.5 Million in Ōpōtiki Marina to Support Aquaculture Growth

The government is investing $12.5 million in the development of the Ōpōtiki Marina, describing it as the final major piece of infrastructure needed to support the Eastern Bay of Plenty's growing aquaculture industry.

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones announced the funding through the Regional Infrastructure Fund, saying the project would help unlock long-term economic growth and create jobs in the region.

The investment, made up of a loan and equity contribution, will help fund construction of a marina basin, wharf and piers, a boat ramp and associated marine infrastructure.

Project partners will contribute a further $12.5 million towards the development.

Jones said the marina would provide year-round safe berthing for aquaculture and commercial vessels, improving the efficiency of mussel harvesting and servicing operations while supporting future investment in marine industries.

"The marina is the final major infrastructure component needed to support the scale-up of aquaculture in Ōpōtiki," he said.

The project is expected to support up to 87 jobs during the construction phase.

The funding builds on previous investment by central government, iwi and local government in the region's aquaculture sector, including offshore mussel farms, a mussel spat facility at Te Kaha, a mussel processing plant in Ōpōtiki and the new Ōpōtiki harbour entrance.

Jones said the marina would help strengthen the infrastructure needed to support the region's expanding marine economy.

"The Bay of Plenty is rich in natural resources with economic potential. These investments will help unlock that potential, support jobs and create opportunities for future regional development," he said.

The marina funding was announced alongside a separate $3 million Regional Infrastructure Fund grant for geothermal exploration in the western Bay of Plenty.