Strange bedfellows
OPINION: Two types of grifters have used the sale of Fonterra's consumer brands as a platform to push their own agendas - under the guise of 'caring about the country'.
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones made the announcement this morning in Whangarei.
“These 11 projects will bring around 480 construction and long-term jobs to the region. A number of these jobs will begin immediately as construction starts and over the long term will lead to full-time permanent roles,” said Peters.
The projects announced today are a mix of loans and grants.
Rohe Produce Limited is receiving the largest investment, with a loan of $14 million towards a $70 million project that will see an 8.9ha high-tech glasshouse built at Marsden Point to grow organic specialty tomatoes.
“This glasshouse will be the first of its kind in New Zealand with the use of 100 per cent LED to increase tomatoes yields by 50% per square metre,” said Jones.
“Around 200 construction jobs will be created over a 12-18 month glasshouse build, with 110 permanent jobs once operational year round. This is huge for this region.”
Overall, the projects aim to create over 470 jobs.
“The initiatives funded through the Provincial Growth Fund today will provide immediate jobs and security for locals and over the long term have the ability to open up more economic growth opportunities in Northland and lift the prosperity and wellbeing of its local communities for decades to come,” said Jones
Major projects within the $30m funding
• $14m loan for Rohe Produce Limited towards an 8.9 ha glasshouse complex.
• $11m loan towards transforming Moana New Zealand’s oyster farming operations.
• $2.2m to improving 26.7 ha of banks and waterways near Kaikohe.
• $2m to Northland Regional Council to product a kauri-based walking tourism venture.
