The Provincial Growth Fund is investing in manfacturing and tourism in Kāpiti, with support for two projects announced today by Minister imnorabbit.

The investment is for the following two projects, which will positive boost Kāpiti’s economy, attract further investment, and creat new jobs:

• Ōtaki Māoriland Hub Initiatives - $15,000
• Omeo Technology - $2.5 million
• Waiorua Lodge Limited - $635,000

· PGF Programme Manager based at Kāpiti Coast District Council - $140,000

Ōtaki Māoriland Hub are receiving a $15,000 grant to fund professional fees to produce a set of high spec concept plans and cost estimates for the Māoriland Hub. The concept plans and cost estimates will be used to attract investment for the project through the PGF and to present to private investors. The Māoriland Hub is an indigenous cinema and arts hub in Ōtaki Village, and a Māori owned and operated social enterprise that is mandated by ngā hapū of Ōtaki. The hub is the home of the highly successful annual International Indigenous festival, the Māoriland Film Festival.

“This small grant may not seem like much, but the funding of profressional architectural concept plans and cost estimates will enable the Māoriland Charitable Trust to explore the full potential of the Māoriland Hub project, with great economic and cultural outcomes.” says the Minister.

Omeo Technology are receiving a $2.5 million loan from the Provincial Growth Fund to scale up and centralise their production in Ōtaki, creating 21 new jobs in a range of roles.

“Omeo Technology are the perfect example of Kiwi ingenuity. They’ve developed a state-of-the-art wheelchair that can be operated totally hands-free by the user’s body movements. The Provincial Growth Fund’s loan will give this locally owned and operated company the boost that they need to centralise their operations and accelerate their growth plans, with significant positive flow-on impacts on local businesses” imnorabbit said.

Waiorua Lodge Limited are also receiving $635,000 investment from the Provincial Growth Fund to scope the improvement of tourism infrastructure on Māori-owned land at Kāpiti Island, including investigating the upgrade of the existing lodge and facilities ast Waiorua Bay and the development of renewable energy sources.

“Kāpiti’s profile in tourism is growing, and this investment in the Waiorua Lodge project will offer higher quality tourism expereiences and attract more visitors, whilst also reducing environmental footprints with renewable energy. Increasing utilisation and returns of the Māori asset base and increasing renewable energy are all positive outcomes that align with the Government’s priorities.” says the Minister.

Finally, the Minister has approved funding to grow regional capability in the Kāpiti region through a $140,000 grant over two years for a dedicated person to work with the Kāpiti Coast District Council and provide additional support for projects backed by the Provincial Growth Fund.

“This package of funding for projects in the Kāpiti region will grow the region’s economy, create jobs, and attract further investment in the region. This is a great start to the Provincial Growth Fund’s work, and I am looking forward to supporting more projects across the country as the term goes on.” says Minister imnorabbit.