Funding granted to Te Mata Park

The building of a visitor shelter, toilet block and car park in Te Mata Park can get under way immediately after Government announced funding for the project yesterday.

Minister of Tourism Paula Bennett announced that the Hastings project would receive $380,000.

Although they won't be establishing a $4.3 million visitor centre, which the Te Mata Park Trust had hoped for back in 2015, trust chairman Bruno Chambers said it was a "real boost for them".

"It will give us a much needed leg up and the trust is very grateful for the help given by council and the Government to help move things forward."

Hastings District Councillors George Lyons and Malcolm Dixon, who are on the board of the Te Mata Park Trust, said the news was "fantastic".

"As the minister says, visitor spend in our region is up by nine per cent to more than $600 million. Te Mata Peak is a huge drawcard for tourists. It is the first place I take visitors when they arrive from out of town," Mr Lyons said.

Mr Dixon said the new facilities would be welcomed by residents and visitors alike.

"It is a very popular place for our locals for walking and biking, and these facilities, especially the toilets, will be very welcome," he said.

Hastings mayor Lawrence Yule said Te Mata Peak was Hawke's Bay's most visited destination and was an "iconic" part of the region's landscape.

"Providing good amenities is fundamental and the government has stepped up and recognised its importance."

Mr Yule said the original plan had been scaled back and they were just focusing on providing the core infrastructure for both locals and visitors.

The money has come out of the Government's Regional Mid-sized Tourism Facilities Grant Fund, designed to help regions invest in infrastructure that will help them supply infrastructure for the increasing tourist numbers.

The Hastings project was one of 16 around New Zealand to be awarded funds, totalling $5.2m.

As soon as contractors can be arranged, work will start on site preparation for the car park, the shelter and toilets, going in at the main gates.

A bike wash facility and toilet will be built at the Tauroa Rd park entrance. Both areas will include drinking water taps. The plan also includes landscaping.

A date for the opening is yet to be set.