Background
To be safe, and realise the future economic and social development opportunities, the Ōpōtiki district needs better harbour access.
The Ōpōtiki Coastguard needs reliable access through the harbour mouth to be effective. There have been several instances where the Coastguard vessel has not been able to return to port after completing rescue work.
Ōpōtiki is also preparing for economic growth. A number of opportunities have been identified, centered on the development and protection of our natural environment. Foremost amongst these is the aquaculture venture proposed by Eastern Sea Farms Limited, a company in which the Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board has a majority shareholding.
In 2009, the High Court upheld Eastern Sea Farms' permit to establish a 3,800-hectare marine farm; the country's largest, six kilometres off the coast from Ōpōtiki township. In October 2010, the first mussel lines will go in the water. Consent to accommodate farming a number of other species has also been obtained.
To capture the greatest possible benefit from this venture, (and position the district as a home for other future aquaculture developments), it is essential that the onshore servicing and seafood processing facilities involved are based in Ōpōtiki.
The Eastern Sea Farms venture has the potential to transform the economy and community of the district and bring significant benefits to the wider Eastern Bay of Plenty community and the greater Bay of Plenty region. Our water and wastewater systems are easily capable of dealing with the new industry's needs. All that is required is safe, reliable access through the river mouth to the harbour.
Read the full history of the project
About the Project | Background | Our Key Partners | Community Benefits | Technical Data