Minister for Regional Development Shane Jones walked the talk in Wairoa today, committing millions of dollars to water storage capacity to turbo-charge horticulture in the district.

The ‘Prince of the Provinces’ was in town to officially open the Wairoa isite Visitor Information Centre, which was funded through what was the NZ First-driven Provincial Growth Fund.

Minister Jones said he commends the leadership of Mayor Craig Little and the Council in standing up and being prepared not to tolerate isolation and neglect for rural New Zealand.

He stressed New Zealand should not be run from the cities, with NZ First working to enable regional towns to flourish – including by getting rid of unnecessary regulations in order to open up opportunities.

Minister Jones praised the Council for retaining its infrastructure business, QRS, with a $500,000 grant to strengthen flood protection around the operations hub and depot of QRS, which played a critical role in Wairoa’s disaster response and recovery.

Other local announcements included, a $6.83m loan to Tātau Tātau Horticulture Limited Partnership to expand its existing water storage capacity and establish a scalable post-harvest facility. This builds on the $1m received from the Māori Development Fund.

Ngāti Pāhauwera Commercial Development Limited will receive a $2.36m loan to develop a 42,000 cu m water storage reservoir and distribution infrastructure to convert 30ha of whenua Māori into commercially competitive pipfruit orchards.

Minister Jones said Wairoa has the climate, the land and the growing conditions with this investment creating new industry that puts Wairoa on the food growing map.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little thanked the Minister for his support of the main street refurbishment, including the relocation of the isite visitor information centre, which has seen practical steps to unlocking opportunities and enabling Wairoa to reset, grow and believe in itself. 

“I am thrilled with the Minister’s announcements today. These are practical improvements to strengthen our district and support our future, and we are extremely grateful.”

Following the opening, in an impressive show of unity, Ngāti Pāhauwera, Tātau Tātau o te Wairoa and the Wairoa District Council presented a united vision to unlock even more opportunities for the benefit of the community.  

IMAGE CAPTION: Minister for Regional Development Shane Jones and respected Wairoa kaumātua Hine Kohn cut the ribbon to officially open the new main street Wairoa isite Visitor Information Centre.

27 August 2025

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