The first of the infrastructure projects associated with the Whakatāne Regeneration Programme are underway.

The Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones commented today on progress being made on the Whakatāne wharf project...

"I’m very pleased to see progress being made to restore the Whakatāne town wharf to its former glory. I visited the town in March, and it is a beautiful old wharf, built in 1919.

The work, which is jointly funded by the Provincial Growth Fund and Whakatāne District Council, will provided much-need work and economic stimulus for the area.

This project was part of an announcement I made in Whakatāne in March of $36.8 million for three projects.

They are the development of a new boat harbour, revitalisation of the riverfront and town centre and the development of a new visitor hub and cultural centre. We expect they will create 453 new direct and indirect jobs by 2030.

This is just part of the $213.9m the Provincial Growth Fund has invested in the Bay of Plenty through various initiative including rail and forestry since the fund’s inception".

Source: Office of Hon Shane Jones