February 05, 2016
Maori resources vital key to Northland economy
Maori resources have been highlighted in a new action plan to invigorate Northland’s economy.
Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce says the plan released in Kerikeri yesterday identifies 58 tangible actions that will contribute millions of dollars to the Northland economy.
He says over the past year unemployment in the region has dropped from 8.1 percent to 6.2 percent, but there is still a lot of work to do to realise Northland’s potential.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy says the plan prioritises infrastructure improvements relating to transport, digital infrastructure, skills and capability, and water.
That will allow economic gains from resources like manuka trees, honey, forestry and wood processing, aquaculture, horticulture and farming collectives, along with a big push to increase both international and domestic visitor numbers.
In Te Hiku, the Ministry for Primary Industries is working with Maori trusts and incorporations to explore forming a Te Hiku sheep and beef farming collective which could have the potential to double meat production within three to five years.
Included in the package is a $4 million grant towards building the Hundertwasser Art Centre and Wairau Maori Art Gallery, if the Whangarei Museum Trust obtains the additional $8.2 million it needs.
It’s estimated the centre showcasing the work of the late Austrian-born artist, who lived in Northland for more than 20 years, will bring an additional $3.7 million into the Northland economy each year.
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