Work is progressing on the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri, one of three key water storage projects in the region.
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones visited the site earlier this month and said he is looking forward to the day when the Northland water projects are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region.
Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir. The event was hosted by Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust to give locals and stakeholders an update on progress.
A total of $19 million in loans was provided through the Provincial Growth Fund operated by the Labour/NZ First coalition Government for the construction and other work involved on the four-million-cubic-metre reservoir. Work started on the project in September 2023.
The trust says the projects are about developing water storage and distribution schemes that enable a shift to higher-value land uses, while caring for the environment and local communities.