Kōpū Marine Servicing and Business Precinct to grow jobs and exports
Published: 7 May, 2024
A new marine servicing and business precinct at Kōpū near Thames will boost the Coromandel Peninsula’s aquaculture footprint. It aims to support the region’s goal to double the value of aquaculture exports from the Waikato region over the next 20 years to $180 million.
The new precinct was opened by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones in June.
It features an 80-metre commercial wharf and floating pontoon which will boost the capacity of the aquaculture industry in the area, enabling in-water marine servicing and vessel loading. It allows for an expanded, unsealed haul-out area, upgraded commercial reinforced slipway, and public recreational boat ramp and trailer parking area.
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters with Thames-Coromandel Mayor Len Salt at the opening of the new facilities.
“The Waikato has a vision to be world-class in sustainable and innovative aquaculture management with a doubling of export growth by 2044,” said Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters.
“This new precinct shows how central and local government are working together to support New Zealand’s regions to maximise their economic potential,” he said.
The project was funded through an initial Government contribution totalling $8.47 million alongside $7.11 million of co-investment from the Department of Internal Affairs, Thames-Coromandel District Council, Thames Community Board and Waikato Regional Council.
An 80-metre commercial wharf and floating pontoon are part of the marine servicing precinct.