April 06, 2018
Iwi contribute to Taranaki growth plan
A surge of investment is going into Taranaki from the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund, with several Maori initiatives among those given the green light.
Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones says the fund will commit up to $13.3 million in the Mounga ki Moana Taranaki Crossing project to upgrade tracks and create a variety of short walks to help increase the length of visitors’ stays in the region.
He says the project has been developed in consultation with Taranaki’s eight iwi and gives them opportunities to invest in tourism-related businesses and express their kaitiakitanga of the mountain by sharing their stories, history and cultural values with visitors.
Another $5 million was earmarked to restore Taranaki Cathedral, New Zealand’s oldest stone church, and turn it into a tourist drawcard.
Mr Jones says it is a place which can showcase the sometimes turbulent story of European settlement in Taranaki and the relationship between Maori and Pakeha over 175 years.
Much of the balance of the $20 million in spending announced today was for feasibility studies as the province seeks to expand past its reliance on oil, gas and agriculture.
The fund will spend $100,000 on a Maori enterprise and education stocktake, focusing on science, technology, engineering, arts/design, mathematics, innovation, and digital training.
The region itself will contribute more than $16 million to the Tapuae Roa: Make Way for Taranaki Action Plan.
Copyright © 2018, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com