After decades of hard work and campaigning, Ōpōtiki's long-neglected harbour is getting a much-needed upgrade. The town's harbour is receiving a $79.4 million boost, courtesy of the Provincial Growth Fund.
"You spend so much time working to create a new economic development that will have such powerful social outcomes for our district," Ōpōtiki mayor Lyn Riesterer said.
"I'm just sorry we were actually in Auckland when the announcement was made, because there were huge announcements down the street of Ōpōtiki and there was a bit of dancing in the street.
"I think it was confirmation that all the hard work that's gone into it has come to fruition. And we've breathed a collective sigh, at last. We're very excited and we do need to celebrate this as a community - because it has impacts for the entire district."