The Government is to spend up to $29 million on improvements to the Opotiki River in a bid to unlock aquaculture investment in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
After years of lobbying, Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and Associate Economic Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell travelled to Opotiki to announce $3m for a final design and geotechnical study.
If the study proves the project is feasible, the Government has indicated it would consider up to another $26m for river mouth work to improve its navigability, as well as the building of a commercial harbour. All up the project would require investment of more than $200m.

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