Celebrating important investment into Rotorua

Mayor Chadwick said it was phenomenal to hear Mr Tabuteau go on record and acknowledge the extra investment needed for Te Ngae Road.

We are thrilled that he has been convinced and that he will go back to the Government to seek the extra funding needed. Together with the $55 million funding announcement, it is very good news for Rotorua.

She said she was pleased to be celebrating the announcement alongside Ngāti Whakaue Tribal Lands, who were committed to progressing their business and housing aspirations, for Te Arawa and the wider community.

Once again, partnership had been key to getting the Central Government investment, the Mayor said.

The latest investment in Rotorua by Government was a key enabler of the draft Rotorua housing strategy developed alongside Te Arawa and Central Agencies and now out for consultation and a crucial component for easing current housing pressure in the city, the Mayor said.

Speaking on behalf of Ngāti Whakaue Tribal Lands, Tamarapa Lloyd shared his thanks to everyone involved.

This opportunity that's in front of us wouldn't have been possible without the foresight of many of the board members of Ngāti Whakaue Tribal Lands that are with us today, he said.

The opportunities that this unlocks for us are huge and we have some very exciting times in front of us. I loved the reference to partnership from Mayor Steve - this is all about doing it together for Rotorua.

We are looking forward to having some collective impact on some of the big issues in front of us as a city in terms of affordable and social housing but also to creating new housing stock for a growing city. This is absolutely a good news story about the rising tide, lifting all boats and collectively all being part of that.

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED TODAY BY FLETCHER TABUTEAU

FLETCHER TABUTEAU CELEBRATES ROTORUA HOUSING AND JOBS ENABLER

New Zealand First Deputy Leader and List MP based in Rotorua Fletcher Tabuteau said the first round of infrastructure projects announced by Ministers Grant Robertson and Shane Jones on Wednesday will progress state highway upgrades and storm water infrastructure to enable exponential housing development and job creation in Rotorua.

Yesterday's announcement that $55 million from the Government's $3 billion Infrastructure COVID Response and Recovery Fund would be allocated to the Bay of Plenty is the result of genuine partnerships that have been formed over a long period, and a lot of hard work on the ground, Fletcher Tabuteau said.

The Infrastructure Reference Group (IRG) was specifically set up earlier this year and tasked to work with local councils and businesses to identify a pipeline of projects to support the economy during the COVID-19 rebuild.

Housing shortages is a major issue facing Rotorua right now. This project in collaboration between Rotorua Lakes District Council, local iwi Ngāti Whakaue, and NZTA, will mean there will be sufficient infrastructure to support massive housing development in Rotorua of up to 1100 sections, and the creation of at least 300 jobs, Fletcher Tabuteau said

I am immensely proud of what has been achieved already for Rotorua in the last few years such as the establishment of Te Uru Rākau (Forestry New Zealand) in Rotorua, Whakarewarewa Forest and Lakefront developments, Rotorua Museum, QE Health, Te Puia, and now significant state highway upgrades.

So today is a celebration, and I want to continue this important work started before Covid19 hit, and see more positive engagements with central Government and outcomes for the people of Rotorua, Fletcher Tabuteau said.