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An iwi-driven revitalisation of the Whakatane town centre and riverfront has got the backing of the Provincial Growth Fund.
Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones today announced $9.6 million for the Riverfront Revitalisation project and $7.6 million for Kāinga, a plan to transform the Whakatāne Army Hall into a destination for local, national and international visitors.
Another $19.6 million is going int the development of a boat harbour.
The applications were made jointly by Te Rāhui Lands Trust, Ngāti Awa Group Holdings Limited, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa and Whakatāne District Council under the Whakatāne Regeneration Programme.
Group chair Paul Quinn says the community is still recovering from the impact of the Whakaari tragedy and so the announcement is gratefully welcomed.
Whakatāne Mayor Judy Turner says Whakatāne is home to two of the country’s largest aluminium boat builders in the country, and the investment in a new boat harbour will drive more growth and employment in the marine and tourism sectors.
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