PGF Investment announcement

Media Release: New era for Kawerau with PGF backing

THE start of a new era of opportunities for business and employment in Kawerau begins with the $19.9 million PGF investment announced today.

Kawerau Mayor Malcolm Campbell said, “The value of the funding enables new industries and development which will be located in Kawerau but will benefit the entire Eastern Bay. This will accelerate new opportunities and business growth – but most importantly, our communities will benefit.”

The funding would fast-track three projects to develop the Kawerau Putauaki Industrial Development (KPID) with:

$9.6m to construct a railing siding at the Kawerau Container Terminal which would provide an efficient rail link to transport goods and connect heavy industry in the Bay to global markets;

$7.5m to construct the Putauaki industrial roading extension to connect industrial zoned land within the Putauaki Trust to existing roads by adding a turning bay and roundabout on SH34;

$2.8m to build a new 1.6km Kawerau Off-Highway Road to directly connect Kawerau’s existing industrial area to the new Kawerau Container Terminal. This will be used by 100 tonne vehicles which cannot drive down the existing highway.

Mayor Campbell acknowledged today’s PGF investment announcement at Firmin Lodge in Kawerau was the culmination of a concerted effort by several key partners including the Putauaki Trust, and began with the formation of Industrial Symbiosis Kawerau (ISK) in 2011.

“ISK was formed to enhance opportunities for industrial development and business growth in the district with the support of key partners such as the Putauaki Trust, existing wood and fibre processing operations, Maori business, Toi-EDA and service groups.”

Toi-EDA and Industrial Symbiosis Kawerau (ISK) chairman David Turner said, “The Kawerau Putauaki Industrial Development (KPID) project represents years of effort from a number of parties who are committed to transforming outcomes in Kawerau.”

“The vision is to maximise the probability of success for business by providing critical infrastructure to reduce waste and connect industry. Our hope is that this will attract more businesses to the region, creating employment opportunities for our people. We are very grateful for the support of this government to accelerate this development, Mr Turner said.”

Putauaki Trust General Manager John O’Brien reiterated that the funding enabled the start of the journey. “Our driving kaupapa with the industrial zoning of the Putauaki whenua is all about the creation of jobs for the rangatahi of today and tomorrow.”

“The Putauaki Trust believes this funding will enable long-term, sustainable business which will benefit the Kawerau District and also the wider region.”

Mr O’Brien said, “The Putauaki Trust was incredibly humbled and grateful for the funding from Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones and the PGF Investment team which continued to be a champion of the regions.”

The provincial growth funding announcement was made at Firmin Lodge in Kawerau at 1pm today.

For more information please phone 07 306 9009.