Visitors set to bring in millions

Far North District councillor Willow-Jean Prime (right) and husband Dion Prime on the Twin Coast Cycle Trail, which could benefit the region with a $5 million to $10 million boost in the five years after its completion. Photo / File

THE development of the visitor economy in Northland could bring tens of millions in additional spending to the region as well as create more than 200 new jobs, according to the authors of the Northland Growth Study.

The commissioned report, released by the Ministries for Economic Development, Primary Industries and Maori Development, has identified keys areas of growth that with investment and planning could boost the region's economy.

The report rated the Twin Coast Discovery project as a high priority, requiring investment of $1.5 million over three years to increase visitor spending by $20 million.

A funding proposal is to be considered by the Northland Regional Council and investment could be public/private.

The Peppers Carrington Resort expansion in the Karikari Peninsula could also create 100 jobs after a $200 million investment. The site is being redeveloped by Shanghai CRED Real Estate, which is looking to establish more than 750 new bedrooms and conference facilities there.

The owners are also in talks with local iwi about training young Maori to work at the resort. The completion of the Twin Coast Cycle Trail at an estimated cost of $6.9 million would benefit the region with a $5 million to $10 million boost in the five years after the completion, creating 30 to 40 direct jobs.

Other projects cited as opportunities were the Manea - Footprints of Kupe Heritage Centre, which the report's consultants said would generate a revenue of $2.5 million, creating 15 jobs. The controversial Hundertwasser and Wairau Maori Art Centre project in Whangarei, the report said, would also give the region an annual $3.5 million boost with 30 jobs.

Projects such as the Waitangi Museum and Education Centre, the Hihiaua Cultural Centre in Whangarei, improvements to the Kerikeri basin, the Kupe Waka Centre in the Hokianga and a proposed visitor centre and art installation at Cape Reinga would all boost the region, the report said.

The report noted tourists spent close to $590 million in Northland in 2013.

While the study identified opportunities for the region, it is now up to the respective industries, investors and local authorities to work on business cases and develop the individual projects.

The initial flow of new visitors to the region would come from Auckland and Australian markets with relationships such as the Friendly City Agreement that Whangarei has with Haikou City in the Hainan Province in China, the Far North's sister city deal with China's Liaoning Province, as well as national tourism relationship through the NZ Inc China Strategy.

Linking natural and cultural resources would allow visitors to remain in the region longer.