Ōpōtiki Harbour Completion Unlocks Regional Opportunities
Construction work on Ōpōtiki Harbour in the eastern Bay of Plenty has been completed, opening prospects for aquaculture, marine industry growth, local employment, and regional economic development, according to Regional Development Minister Shane Jones.
Harbour Construction and Features
The multi-year project involved the construction of two 350-meter-long harbour walls and dredging of the harbour channel. These developments have established safe access for mussel vessels and other seacraft, while increasing capacity for future marine expansion in the area.
Employment and Economic Impact
The construction phase generated approximately 200 direct jobs and additional employment in supporting industries, including two rock quarries and an expanded local cement operation. With dredging completed in September, Ōpōtiki Harbour is now fully operational.
The project benefited from strong collaboration among local community leaders, iwi, and councils, aiming to create new jobs and enhance local incomes. Economic modelling conducted by Ōpōtiki District Council in 2018 predicted the harbour would generate $132 million in economic benefits for New Zealand over time.
Funding and Government Investment
The harbour development was funded with $95.2 million from the Regional Investment Opportunities Fund and $20 million from Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Additionally, the government invested over $52 million between 2019 and 2025 in Whakatōhea Mussels (Ōpōtiki) Ltd through the former Provincial Growth Fund.
Minister Jones highlighted that this investment supports the Coalition Government’s goal of increasing annual aquaculture sector sales from $750 million to $3 billion by 2035. The mussel industry currently employs more than 200 full-time staff in Ōpōtiki and is expected to expand further in the coming years.
Regional Development
Minister Jones described the harbour as an example of a collaborative project aimed at boosting regional prosperity across New Zealand.