Jackson's plane museum gets $1.5m Govt boost

Sir Peter Jackson, right, and director Christian Rivers in mock cockpit of a Lancaster bomber. Photo / Grant Maiden

The Blenheim centre holding Sir Peter Jackson's WWI planes will get a $1.5 million boost in funding from the Government.

As part of its Tourism Growth Partnership fund, the Government is also investing $350,000 to support the development of a new spa complex on Rotorua.

The grants were announced today by Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key at the tourism industry conference, Trenz, in Rotorua.

"Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre has already established itself as a premier tourism attraction, featuring Sir Peter Jackson's WWI aviation collection. The centre will be expanded to include a WWII hangar exhibition, which will also serve as a function centre capable of catering for up to 500 guests," said Key.

In Rotorua Pukeroa Lakefront Holdings Ltd and World Spa Ltd are exploring the options in building a large scale spa complex.

The tourists city attracts 3.2 million yearly visitors but only make 500,000 commercial spa visits.

Prince William with Sir Peter Jackson at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim. Photo / Iain McGregor

"The World Spa project aims to develop an international standard spa and wellness complex on Rotorua's lakefront. The Rotorua District Council has set a goal of 1.5 million commercial spa visits yearly, and the development of this new spa complex will certainly help with achieving that goal," Key said.

The $32 million contestable Tourism Growth Partnership fund aims to boost innovation and productivity in the tourism sector. For each project approved for investment, the Government provides up to 50 per cent of the required funding."

The Government has now invested $8.1 million in 15 projects. This is in addition to the applicants' contributions of $39.2 million.