Business thrilled with project funding

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

REACTION to yesterday’s launch of the Tairawhiti Economic Development Action Plan has left some of those receiving funding thrilled with the announcement.

After the plan confirmed a $2 million government grant for Eastland Community Trust’s WET joint venture to establish a wood processing facility, ECT general manager Leighton Evans said the community could be confident in the future.

“We are thrilled with this news and the further confidence shown in the direction of the trust and those we choose to partner with.

“This grant will support the team’s existing research and development projects and add scale to their investment in new ideas. It should give the community confidence in the approach the trust is taking.”

ECT was also mentioned often throughout the 54-point action plan as a major funding partner in a number of tasks.

“Trustees commend the collective approach taken by Government and those who created both the Tairawhiti Economic Action Plan and the Maori Economic Development Report, particularly the Tairawhiti Economic Action Plan Governance Group and Te Kimihia he Oranga.”

ECT was cited as a partner in a number of initiatives in an action plan that prioritised wood processing, tourism, transport and employment.

“The outcomes of these reports might not fundamentally change the way in which we work. We have already made a significant investment in the report’s key priority areas such as wood processing, tourism and regional economic development, with a view to creating more and better jobs around the region. However, what they will do is reaffirm our priorities and highlight areas we might not have considered.

“Both reports paint an exciting vision of a co-created future for Tairawhiti, and we are eager to see where ECT can add value,” he said.

Another beneficiary of a number of government announcements yesterday was the Motu Cycle Trails, which would benefit from a $400,000 NZTA project to make the Matawai to Te Wera Road safe for cyclists, and help create a safe cycle link all the way between Opotiki and Gisborne.

“I’m over the moon,” said Motu Trails Charitable Trust chairwoman Kathy Sheldrake.

“This is the most exciting news for the Motu Trails that we have had in a number of years. It’s just wonderful. At the moment, the Motu Trails start or finish at Matawai. This will make Matawai to Te Wera a safe link between the Heartland Rere Falls Trail, which can be promoted as the Motu Trails’ Heartland ride and a safe option.”