Golden Bay’s Port Tarakohe is receiving $20 million in government funding for redevelopment to help boost the region’s mussel farming industry.
The loan is via the Provincial Growth Fund and is in addition to funding from the Tasman District Council and industry, the total port upgrade is expected to cost around $28.3m.
Redevelopment will open up 2200 hectares of mussel farming space over the next three years. This includes access to commercial marine berths, more working wharf space, a new food grade wharf area and harbour master building.
The project is preparing for the expected growth in mussel tonnage from the current 8000 tonnes annually to 32,000 tonnes in 2029.
Tasman District mayor Tim King says the port’s current configuration “does not provide sufficient capacity, infrastructure or the appropriate food safety capability”.
“Redevelopment will enable Port Tarakohe to take its place as a strategic contributor within the region’s and country’s ocean economy providing not only local employment but also the catalyst for further investment with the surety of the appropriate infrastructure.
“The funding also recognises the port’s amenity value enabling development to benefit recreation users through the relocation and expansion of private berths,” King says.
“An important factor in the current plans is the retention of the port’s environmental value to the community. As a known nesting area for little blue penguins the plans will take into account a zone for their nesting boxes and protection from predators,” he says.
In announcing the finding, deputy prime minister Winston Peters says it is not only the commercial sector which will benefit from the redevelopment.
“Tourism is important to Golden Bay and the region, and its beaches and natural beauty are a magnet for visitors.
“The new port will separate the commercial and recreational berths and create a recreational marina,” Peters says.
The project will also improve Golden Bay’s resilience in the event of a natural disaster or Civil Defence emergency, he says.
