12 October 2002 Media Statement

PM opens new Northland port facility

Prime Minister Helen Clark today opened Northport, the new deep water port facility at Marsden Point near Whangarei, saying it was a major new economic asset for the Northland region.

“Northland has significant forests which are producing large volumes of timber for export. The new port facility will ease pressures on the region’s infrastructure and improve the overall viability of the Northland forestry industry.

“Northport is a major new economic asset. It is the product of a 50:50 joint venture between the Northland Port Corporation and the Port of Tauranga, who together invested $65 million in the facility. This investment means bigger vessels and more cargo bringing significant economic benefits to Northland.

“It will help to build on Northland’s current strong economic growth. In the latest National Bank regional survey, Northland recorded the largest rise in economic activity, 2.5 per cent, in the June quarter. In the year to June, the region’s economy grew by 4.2 per cent.

"Further investment in Northland’s transport infrastructure is necessary. In February, the government announced that Northland, along with the Gisborne-East Coast region, would be the focus of a new $30 million fund for transport projects in regions with specific regional development needs.

“This week the government announced that a regional development transport plan based on integrated transport studies has now been completed and signed off by local councils and industry in Northland. The plan has emerged from the direction provided by the region’s regional development strategy and the wood processing strategy.

“Northland has now identified priority transport projects that will assist local government in preparing transport proposals for the next five to ten years.

“The improvements to the region’s transport infrastructure will help to ensure that Northland continues to enjoy good economic growth,” Helen Clark said.

ENDS

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