Digging in for Havelock Marina aquaculture future

Havelock Marina and the surrounding aquaculture industry are set to get a $9.9 million dollar boost.

Details of the New Zealand Aquaculture Development Plan 2025-2030 were announced at the Havelock Mussel Festival over the weekend.

The move aims to see New Zealand’s aquaculture industry earning $3 billion by 2035.

The dredging improvements to access the marina channel and basin, after being filled in by silt over 2021 and 2022 storms, are funded jointly by a $9.9m RIF loan from the central Government and equal funding from Port Marlborough.

Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones, accompanied by fellow MP Jamie Arbuckle and Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor, said it was “a pleasure and a privilege” to be able to help.

“It's a plan that lies at the heart of your own future - not every part of the country is blessed with the opportunity that you have here for this local industry”, said Mr Jones,

“There has to be guard rails and sustainability is essential, but economic empowerment is equally as important because economic growth is what will ensure that we generate the earnings and we can afford to live in our communities, secure, happy and confident in the future.”

Mayor Nadine Taylor thanked the minister, saying Mother Nature had dealt a cruel blow to the region in 2021 and 2022.

“We recognise your ongoing support for such a crucial industry for Marlborough - we have 600 marine farms out there contributing $300 million and 1000 jobs to Marlborough and to New Zealand, and it is poised to grow.

“The Minister has made it clear that the future of this industry is part of the future of New Zealand, and through the Aquaculture Extension Act, he has given certainty to those marine farms that are out there through our Pelorus sounds”.

The funding will be used to dredge the marina channel and basin to enable safe and unrestricted access for commercial users and residents to make industry processing and maintenance easier.

Construction of three replacement jetties will enable increased traffic and minimise impacts of flooding and climate change, while the construction and dredging work will generate up to 54 jobs.

This investment will support the delivery of a $19.8 million project to ensure Havelock Marina remains a fit-for-purpose marine transport hub, supporting the aquaculture industry, Sounds residents, and the wider boating community.

Port Marlborough CEO Rhys Welbourn, says the project is vital for ensuring long-term operational reliability.

"Havelock is a pivotal port and marina for aquaculture in New Zealand. The channel is essential infrastructure, much like a road or rail link, and its reduced depth has been causing access constraints for vessels.

“This project will ensure that Havelock continues to meet the needs of the aquaculture industry, commercial operators, and local residents who rely on marine access.”