Mr Little acknowledged the many people who had contributed to bringing the vision together.
“Not everyone could see the benefits of what we were trying to achieve within the funding criteria. Thank you to those who believed in what we were doing, supported the vision and helped bring it together.
“We are not finished yet. There are still finishing touches to be carried out, and then we will begin on next door, the former Winter’s building.”
Mr Little said while the celebration marked the opening of the redevelopment and welcomed the new tenants, the rebuild complemented what was already in Wairoa, and the focus must be on supporting “our whole town and all local businesses”.
Wairoa Deputy Mayor Denise Eaglesome-Karekare described the rebuild as a model for how Wairoa can move on in its recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle.
“This is the result of a vision and collaboration and shows what can happen when our community unites.”
Cameron Osmond described the tremendous effort to achieve the milestone and acknowledged everyone who had been part of the often challenging journey that spanned a pandemic and cyclone.
Katie Nimon, National MP for the Napier electorate, said Wairoa was at the electorate’s heart, describing the district as full of vitality and energy with huge potential, particularly as a tourism destination. She encouraged the community to make the most of the new development. “Use it, enjoy it and make this your place.”
The three tenants in the new complex are Jay’s Nutribox, Beauty Antix and Gemmells Food.
