Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis and Te Whanau a Rangiwhakaahu Hapu representative Aperahama Kerepeti-Edwards at Matapouri, where Davis gave $1,114,000 on Saturday for restoring the Mauri of Matapouri.
Northland Inc has welcomed the Government decision to pump more than $1.6 million of tourism funding into the restoration, improvement and care of some of what it calls special regional treasures.
The funding includes a significant $1,114,000 boost for restoring the Mauri of Matapouri Beach as well as $539,000 for
a new car park and toilets to increase capacity and bus parking at Whangārei's Abbey Caves.
Matapouri is a hugely popular destination along the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, and is also a key landmark on the Northland Journey – "Into the Wide Blue Yonder" – which follows a circular route with all roads leading to the Pacific Ocean.
"It's important that alongside the promotion of the Twin Coast Discovery Highway and Northland Journeys, there is ongoing investment in both infrastructure and facilities so that our treasures are protected and our visitors have an outstanding experience," Northland Inc's acting CEO Vaughan Cooper said.
"Tourism is vital to Northland and we are appreciative of the efforts and support of central government and Whangārei District Council to ensure that this amazing sector thrives in a sustainable way. Revitalising the Twin Coast Discovery Route is pivotal to the Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan, which is being facilitated and supported by Northland Inc, the region's economic development agency."
