Northland councils share $2.24m for tourism infrastructure projects

A $19.6 million tourism package was announced on Tuesday by Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis for projects across the country. Photo/ File

Northland's district councils have received a combined $2.24 million for tourism infrastructure projects.

The funding is part of a $19.6 million package announced on Tuesday by Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis for projects across the country.

It is the second round of grants from the Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

Davis said the extraordinary growth in visitor numbers over the past few years is likely to continue for the foreseeable future and these investments are essential to improve the quality of New Zealand's infrastructure to help manage that growth.

"Managed well, tourism growth can significantly boost our economy, bring wealth to the regions and improve New Zealanders' quality of life by creating more vibrant communities.

Far North District Council was the biggest winner, scooping a total of $1.34 million.

$639,000 of funding is for the provision of toilet facilities across five locations in the district.

Another $353,000 is for three sewerage and water system feasibility studies for Opua, Paihia and Waitangi.

The final $344,000 if for the upgrade of an existing carpark at Kawakawa to support the Hundertwasser Park Centre - Te Hononga project.

Kaipara District Council has been allocated a combined $486,684 for infrastructure at Baylys Beach, Maungaturoto and Matakohe.

$234,000 is for a boardwalk and toilets at Baylys Beach.

$149,100 is for toilet and carparking facilities at Maungaturoto.

The last $103,584 is for toilet facilities and footpaths at Matakohe.

Whangārei District Council got $412,800 of funding for the construction of carparking facilities at Tamaterau.

In the first round of funding, $376,905 was allocated to the Far North and Whangārei District Councils.

The Far North got $147,905 for the construction of new toilet facilities on a freedom camping site near Kaimaumau.

Whangārei received $204,000 for the upgrade of the existing Bascule carpark,
$10,000 for a feasibility study to address parking capacity issues at the Whangarei Quarry Gardens and $15,000 for a feasibility study to address parking and toilet capacity issues at Abbey Caves.