Expanding Northport would make a difference to Northland’s economy.
Expanding Northport would make a difference to Northland’s economy.
Opinion
Last month Northland had the pleasure of working with several ministers from central Government, with Chris Bishop and Shane Jones announcing the continued investment into the four-lane expressway, right after another slip was recorded on the Brynderwyns. Every time it rains, I know that many of us wonder how long it will take before the Brynderwyns are closed again.
More recently, Jones announced the $2 million investment into the business case for the Energy Bridge, which will help offer cheaper sustainable energy to local users, and the rest of the country.
We all know that our electricity infrastructure needs serious investment, and Northland is rich in natural renewable resources which are suitable for generating renewable energy.
I have total belief that the feasibility study will lead to further investment. This is all about planning for electricity infrastructure that will give Northland a resilient, reliable network, helping us take advantage of our sun, wind, and geothermal energy potential.
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones (centre), made a $2m investment announcement at the Northland Joint Regional Economic Development Committee last week. Photo / Denise Piper
These two major project announcements are part of the bigger picture for increasing Northland’s growth and prosperity, all included within the Regional Deal proposed to central Government.
Minister Mark Mitchell attended the Northland Civil Defence Forum last week at Semenoff Stadium, and commented on how well Northland councils and communities were working together, especially when disasters happen.
This was shown through Cyclone Gabrielle, the Mangawhai tornado, the fires that attacked Waipoua Forest, and then with ex-Cyclone Tam. Northland as a community is great at getting in and working with those who can help, and those who need help.
Aerial images reveal the extent of damage caused by a tornado in Mangawhai. Photo / Hayden Woodward
For me, one of the best things about living in Northland is how we just get on with things and work together to make things happen. When we see someone with a need, we go and deal with it. There’s a lot of compassion and action up here – that no.8 wire mentality is still alive and kicking! It is now great to have central Government recognise that too.
Our three mayors (Kaipara, Far North and Whangārei), and chair of Northland Regional Council started our term by spelling out what we needed for our region to grow, both economically and physically. It all started with agreeing on what our top 5 priorities were:
Connecting Northland
Northland as an economic hub
Housing and associated infrastructure
Infrastructure resilience with changing environment
Local government as a ‘trusted partner’ with central Government
We next needed to put those priorities to our business and hapū communities and encourage them to take ownership of these aspirations. The Northland Corporate Group and Chamber of Commerce have done just that.
Bringing the councils together under one economic roof for Northland, via the Joint Regional Economic Development Group (JREDG) and Northland Inc., cemented the powerhouse that I knew Northland could be. A similar example of a powerhouse that we already have is within our Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group (CDEM), which looks after Northland during emergencies.
The next big economic projects that can make huge differences to Northland’s economy, which require central Government involvement, is developing a knowledge precinct in Whangārei, expanding Northport, building the drydock at Marsden Point, and setting up some regional economic zones.
By attracting future investment, creating jobs, fostering innovation, strengthening infrastructure, and working together, we can build a brighter future for our whole region, and what central Government is enabling now is a great start to the growth of Northland. As mayor, I am committed to supporting these initiatives and ensuring that Northland reaps the full benefits of these projects.
When Northland works together, who can stand in our way?
