RotoruaNZ has provided assistance to transition a block of iwi-owned land from forest to industrial zone.
The 13ha block will allow businesses to expand and create more jobs, benefiting the Rotorua economy.
Media Release issued by Peka Trust
15 June 2023
New industrial block to open in Rotorua
Peka Lands Trust is pleased to announce that development of a 13ha block south of Rotorua will commence in 2023.
Located just south of Rotorua, the Peka block, comprises 633 hectares with over 2000 beneficiaries.
Plans for the Industrial Development were initiated in 2020 after the harvest of over 400ha of pine planted in the mid 1980’s. A masterplan for the development of the 13 hectares was completed with Council and Waka Kotahi involvement.
The opportunity to bring the start date of the development forward was presented by way of funding opportunities available on application through the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund, Peka Lands Trust applied and were successful in securing a loan of $6 million.
A ground-breaking ceremony [took] place on Thursday, 15 June, commencing stage one of the project. The Minister of Regional Development and Transport, Hon Kiritapu Allan, will speak at the ceremony.
Helen Beckett, chair of Peka Lands Trust, said the planning for the development has been nearly 40 years in the making.
“The trees were planted with the intention of providing opportunities to create future wealth for all beneficiaries of Peka Lands Trust – the job is now ours to see this to fruition.”
With no other industrial zones available in Rotorua, transitioning from harvested land to an industrial park has been supported by Rotorua Lakes Council and RotoruaNZ.
RotoruaNZ chief executive Andrew Wilson said, “The development of Peka Block is great news for Rotorua. It will allow for more business expansion, create more jobs, and further contribute to the economic development in our city.”
ENDS
