$300k grant approved to get Ōpōtiki research centre off the ground

Ōpōtiki's main street in 2016. Photo / File

Funding has been confirmed to start the build of Te Tahuhu o Te Rangi, Ōpōtiki's new Technology and Research Centre.

The funding came from Baytrust who approved a $300,000 grant toward the redevelopment.

Ōpōtiki District Council's deputy mayor Shona Browne said that this grant was a huge benefit to the project.

"The funds will benefit generations of users so we are so pleased to have them on board," Browne said.

A total of five projects worth $1,103,000 have received funding from BayTrust's Community Amenities Fund this year.

BayTrust chief executive Alastair Rhodes said the annual fund was an exciting opportunity to make a difference for Bay of Plenty residents for generations to come.

"Te Tahuhu o Te Rangi will be a new focal point for the Opotiki community. The building will enrich people's lives and increase their sense of wellbeing and connectedness."

The community had put a lot of work into fundraising to bring the vision to life with fundraisers and small events. Eastern Bay Energy Trust also recently reiterated their support for the project and put forward a grant of $225,000.