Clayton Mitchell New Zealand First MP

A key component of the New Zealand First/Labour coalition agreement was the establishment of the $3 billion Provincial Growth Fund (PGF).

For too long our regions have suffered from neglect, with many areas suffering from negative population growth and residents forced to move away to look for work or business opportunities elsewhere.

Our provinces now have more hope, with the recent announcement from New Zealand First Minister Shane Jones, the Regional Economic Development Minister, who is set to stimulate regional growth around the country.

The Provincial Growth Fund includes $6 million invested into the revitalisation of the Wanganui Port and towards upgrading the railway.

The investment will create jobs and increase the business activity whilst reducing heavy truck flow on our highways. This is a positive move.

In the latest announcement, up to $5 million has been allocated to re-open the Wairoa-Napier line for logging trains. There's also the injection of $2.3 million into the redevelopment of Gisborne Inner Harbour, which will help boost tourism in the area amongst other things.

The fund will also go towards the building of a new tourist hub in Kawakawa and contribute towards the improvement of roads and rail in Northland.

The Bay of Islands Airport in Kerikeri, which is one of the fastest-growing regional airports in New Zealand, is to get a new terminal.

The new terminal will relieve congestion and cater to visitor growth by boosting capacity and improving facilities for passengers.

This is just the beginning.

There are more applications to consider and more announcements will come in due course.

We have many opportunities in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty which would be hugely beneficial to our region. I am already working with a few local businesses and individuals to ensure the PGF helps boost our region.