Key transport link opens to boost Bay of Plenty economy
Published: 26 March, 2025
A key piece of transport infrastructure linking a new industrial park in Bay of Plenty to the wider region will help grow the economy, creating jobs and opportunities.
The motorway interchange linking Rangiuru Business Park near Te Puke to State Highway 2 opened in February.
The motorway interchange linking Rangiuru Business Park near Te Puke to State Highway 2 was officially opened by Regional Development Minister Shane Jones on 14 February.
The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) provided $18 million seed money in 2020 towards the motorway interchange, a vital piece of infrastructure linking the business park to the wider region.
Mr Jones said at the opening the thriving Bay of Plenty had long needed new development to meet demand for sites for manufacturing, agricultural and logistics industries. The Rangiuru Business Park provided the extra capacity the region has been looking for.
The motorway interchange will support the business park by providing access to major North Island and global markets. Rangiuru is around 25 minutes from the Port of Tauranga, with access to a skilled labour force from the surrounding areas.
The construction of the interchange saw about 200 workers on the site each day. The $60m project was co-funded by Quayside Holdings Ltd, the investment arm of Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
The 148ha business park is the largest consented green field industrial zone in Bay of Plenty. Work on the park’s infrastructure began in 2022. The business park recently opened its first 14ha of land for sale.
The Bay of Plenty is one of the fastest growing regions and the business park will unlock further economic growth and an estimated 4000 jobs in the region.