Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is investing $2.01 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to upgrade Matakana Island’s Opureora Wharf, the island’s only vehicle and freight gateway, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson say
Matakana Island, in Bay of Plenty, is home to around 320 people. It has a productive economy built on forestry, dairy farming and horticulture. With no road connection to the mainland, residents, workers, essential services, freight and supplies depend on Opureora Wharf.
“For the people and businesses of Matakana Island, this wharf is not a nice-to-have. It is their lifeline and the gateway for the island’s economic growth,” Mr Jones says.
“A small population does not mean a small economy. Several barge sailings every day keep milk, logs, horticultural produce, workers, machinery and essential supplies moving year-round. That is real commercial activity, and it needs infrastructure that is safe, reliable and fit for purpose.
“This grant is a great example of the Regional Infrastructure Fund in action – developing practical infrastructure that strengthens resilience, lifts productivity, and unlocks regional economic potential.”
The total $2.9m project will extend the existing seawall, widen and seal the loading area, formalise loading and parking, improve stormwater management, and install safety barriers and associated roading improvements.
“This combined investment will mean the coastal edge below Opureora Marae is protected from erosion, safeguarding both the marae and critical transport infrastructure,” Mr Patterson says.
“By removing a long-standing bottleneck, it will make daily operations at the wharf safer and more efficient, and give the community a more dependable connection to the mainland.”
Championed by the Opureora Marae Committee, the project will be delivered by Western Bay of Plenty District Council in partnership with the committee and relevant landowners.
Matakana Island lies within the rohe of Ngāi Te Rangi and is closely associated with Ngāti Tauaiti and Ngāi Tūwhiwhia.
The Māori Climate Platform, administered by the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport, has previously announced funding of $700,000 towards the seawall works. Western Bay of Plenty District Council has also committed $200,000.
The project is expected to support about 19 fulltime-equivalent jobs during the construction phase. Subject to conditions, consents and contracting, work is planned to begin in late 2026.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/26/2m-grant-secures-matakana-island-lifeline/