Tourism funding takes TIF total to $5m in Far North
Published on 14 September 2023
A range of projects that support tourism in the Far North have benefited from a $805,000 funding boost, part of the seventh round of the government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF).
Projects include improving boat ramp facilities, installing public Wi-Fi and tech savvy solutions but it is a plan to improve Taipā beach front that won the biggest allocation of $310,000.
This round of TIF allocations brings the total awarded to Far North over all seven funding rounds to $5.2 million. The total value of these projects sits at approximately $10.4m, of which the council has contributed an estimated $4.6m.
Round 7 of TIF will provide the council:
- $310,000 for remedial works to Taipa beach front
- $240,000 to upgrade Russell boat ramp carpark areas
- $140,000 to install public Wi-Fi and smart lighting/CCTV (linked to the Nothing but Net project)
- $65,000 to install a toilet facility at Rangitoto Windsor Landing boat ramp
- $50,000 to install 10 smart bins in high use locations.
Remedial works to the popular Doubtless Bay beach front at Taipā will address damage from high traffic volumes and recent weather events. The project may include addressing drainage issues, tar-sealing two existing gravel carparks, as well as installing shade sails, picnic tables and timber bench seats. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $620,000 with the balance of costs being met by the council through the Annual Plan and Long Term Plan.
The second highest allocation is earmarked for carpark areas at the Russell boat ramp. Improvements will include tar-sealing, painting carpark markings, signage, and the installation of smart lighting, public Wi-Fi and a CCTV camera. The tech-related improvements are linked to the council’s Nothing but Net project, which is delivering better internet connectivity throughout the district.
A plan to install public Wi-Fi, smart lighting and CCTV cameras in Kaitāia, Mangōnui, Kohukohu, Hōreke, Motutī, Kerikeri, Kororipo Basin, Ōpua and Waitangi was awarded $140,000. This is also part of Nothing but Net, which is providing infrastructure for public Wi-Fi in popular tourist areas. Improving connectivity benefits residents but is also a drawcard for tourists – especially those making use of adventure activities in areas with poor communications coverage.
Wi-Fi enabled smart bins are becoming a familiar sight in the Far North and the next stage of this project will install 10 more smart bins across the district. The smart bins reduce waste overflow, increase bin capacity, support the use of renewable energy and make collection more cost effective with sensors that alert maintenance contractors when they are nearing capacity.
Rangitoto Windsor Landing boat ramp upgrades are not only proving popular with boaties but also day visitors to the jetty. This has prompted the need for a toilet facility. TIF granted $65,000 for this project.
TIF is particularly important for communities in provincial areas where building and maintaining tourism infrastructure can put pressure on stretched council finances.