Tourism and Ngāwha springs get $2.8m boost from Provincial Growth Fund

Te Waiariki Ngāwha Springs is in line for an upgrade after a $1.79 million injection from the Government's Provincial Growth Fund announced on Friday.

More money from the Government's billion dollar Provincial Growth Fund is coming to the Far North District, with $2.8 million announced on Friday to further economic growth opportunities in the Mid-North.

The money will further economic growth opportunities in tourism in the Mid-North and help lift the prosperity and wellbeing of its communities, Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis said.

"The PGF is investing $1.79 million to redevelop and enhance Te Waiariki Ngāwha Springs, located near Kaikohe. Over the past three years use of the spring has increased from 22,000 visitors in 2015 to more than 40,000 in 2017 with no active marketing," Davis said.

"This project has the potential to further build the Mid-North's total visitor market and provide employment for up to 30 people, while delivering benefits to the local community through enhancing an important local landmark.

"Funding of $890,000 will be provided to evaluate the potential for an innovation and enterprise park to be built on 165ha at Ngāwha, near Kaikohe. The aim is to improve the utilisation of the region's natural resources," Davis said.

"This will be an actively managed hub that will bring together complementary activities such as manufacturing, construction, innovation, and research and development. It will support training and pathways to employment for locals."

The fund would also put just over $178,000 into Tē Pu o Te Wheke - The Heart of the Octopus in Kaikohe, helping Ngāpuhi to develop a business case to establish a multi-use, leading edge community, cultural and tourism hub.

The Far North District Council has already agreed to become a key tenant of the building, moving its Kaikohe-based Council operations and Kaikohe Library into the new facility.

Davis said the funding was about unlocking the tourism potential of the area.

"The Mid-North has massive potential and, after years of neglect, this Government is going to unlock it through the PGF," he said.

The announcement came hours after Davis had announced the PGF was investing more than $2 million in two initiatives to further enhance Whangārei as a tourist destination and support the region's economic growth.

The PGF will give $1.3 million towards the completion of a feasibility study and business case for the development of the planned $200m Riverside Hotel Boost from PGF for

Northland projects and Entertainment Precinct.

Another of $750,000 will help build a full-scale version of an operational rolling ball clock promoting Clapham's National Clock Museum at the Town Basin.

Northland Inc CEO Dr David Wilson said the funding would help unlock much-needed economic growth for the area.

"It is crucial to the region that PGF funding has been invested here to encourage initiatives that improve regional economic development."

The announcements means Northland projects have so far been given $104.4m from the Provincial Growth Fund.