Further investement in Te Tai Tokerau water storage

As a result of the flood-and-drought cycle in Te Tai Tokerau, there is a continued need for a reliable water source to unlock the potential of the whenua, which has rich soils and an incredible climate for horticulture.

Te Aupōuri Commercial Development Limited has been approved for a $3.342 million RSPF loan towards the $6.684 million cost to build a water storage reservoir and water reticulation infrastructure on its land, just north of Hauhora in Te Tai Tokerau.

The 350,000 cubic metre reservoir will store excess winter flow from small on-farm streams and make it available for summer irrigation for 200 hectares of its own land. This project will make water available for crops such as coffee, avocado, kumara, and citrus.

This project will facilitate a continued transition to higher-value horticulture crops and to increased climate resilience in Te Tai Tokerau. It will also help to “Grow kai” - an economic development priority emerging from Te Ōhanga Rautaki Whānui o Te Tai Tokerau, the Regional Economic Development Strategy.

What’s next

Funding from the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund is approved in principle and announced, after which contracts are negotiated. Payments are made once agreed milestones are met. These are set as part of contract negotiations and differ from project to project.

Find out more about all projects administered by Kānoa - What we have funded.