A NZD 2.8 million investment from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will support Northland's oyster sector's long-term resilience while backing economic opportunities for local communities.
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones said that Mahurangi oyster farms produce around a quarter of New Zealand's oysters, but recurring closures due to water quality issues have disrupted harvests and put high costs and stress on growers and the community.
The Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) investment will be used to establish a new 6ha relay site, a 3ha commercial pilot oyster farm, and the supporting oyster farming infrastructure, vessels, moorings and marine assets required to operate the facility in Kaipara.
Jones made the funding announcement at Pahi in Kaipara. He said establishing a relay site in Kaipara will allow oysters to be relocated and naturally purified in the harbour there during closures until they can be harvested. It will reduce disruptions, back local livelihoods, and improve the resilience of this nationally significant industry.
The project is being delivered through a partnership involving Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust and the Mahurangi Oyster Farmers Collective, which farms in the Mahurangi Harbour near Warkworth.
"The commercial pilot oyster farm will help build aquaculture skills and capability within local hapū Te Uri o Hau, with experienced Mahurangi oyster farmers mentoring the next generation of oyster growers in Kaipara Harbour," said Marcroft.
"This is an exciting initiative aimed at safeguarding and growing a nationally significant industry, growing local skills, and contributing to the Government's goal of growing aquaculture revenue to NZD three billion by 2035."
RIF funding will be provided as a grant that becomes repayable if the project generates sufficient revenue.
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