Bay of Plenty Regional Council is involved in the transformation of Ōpōtiki harbour. The revitalisation project focuses on creating new harbour infrastructure that enables all weather, all tide access in and out of the harbour.
The existing Ōpōtiki harbour entrance is limited to smaller boats, which can only cross the bar in good conditions. The project is crucial to developing the off-shore aquaculture industry in the eastern Bay, and to unlock wider potential for other marine industries. It is estimated the redevelopment will bring in $41-55 million per year in additional wealth and generate up to 220 new, sustainable, long term and skilled jobs.
Council has committed $20 million to the Ōpōtiki Harbour Transformation project.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council is working in partnership with the Treasury, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Ōpōtiki District Council, Whakatohea Māori Trust Board, Eastern Sea Farms Ltd, Whakatohea Mussels (Opotiki) Ltd, and local supporters such as Toi-EDA and Baytrust.