Christopher Luxon says Northland must be ready for economic take-off

For the Mayoral Inner City Taskforce – formed to counter perceptions that Whangārei’s CBD was dying – the vision of the economy taking off matched its own vision for Whangārei’s CBD to thrive.

Mayor Ken Couper said there was investment coming for the town, including the set-up of a Knowledge Education and Arts Hub, plus wider development in the district such as the NorthPort expansion.

Luxon heard how the taskforce was about various leaders coming together to take responsibility for the CBD, with initiatives including a wellbeing hub and greater support for rough sleepers, plus an alcohol accord between hospitality venues.

“This is a city coming together to solve its own problems,” Couper said.

Luxon was asked for Government support to help fund a macro-level strategy for the inner city, with businesses and the council also funding a third each of the estimated $180,000 cost.

Whangārei’s Mayoral Inner City Taskforce involves the city’s leaders coming together, PM Christopher Luxon heard. Pictured clockwise from left is Jensen Webber, Scott McKenzie, Ken Couper, Christopher Luxon, Tim Robinson, Juliet Morrison, Matthew Srhoj (obscured), Lloyd Budd and Maria Nordstrom. Photo / Denise Piper

Luxon didn’t directly address the idea of funding but said Northland needed to speak with one voice and have a clear vision, even if it wasn’t perfect nor 100% supported by all.

But he said the taskforce was doing a good job in coming together and looking for opportunities rather than problems.

He told the group the Government building the Northland Expressway was the “single biggest thing that we can do to power-up the region”.

The Brynderwyn Hills alternative was already at the fast-track consenting stage.

Luxon managed to avoid some of Northland’s roads during his visit, being transported in style from Marsden Point to Port Nikau in Naut’s trailblazing electric boat, the Game Changer.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (centre right) was keen to show his support for charity ReSport, helped by ReSport co-founder JP Dignon (from left), National’s Whangārei candidate Lloyd Budd and ReSport co-founder Joey Yovich. Photo / Denise Piper

He also visited Northland’s ReSport Charitable Trust, which collects new and gently used sports gear, distributing it to children in need to help them participate in sport and recreation.

Luxon heard how in three years, ReSport collected more than 15,000 pieces of sporting gear and equipment, redistributing more than 10,000 pieces, creating an economic value of more than $1.24 million.

Items past their used-by date were turned into mattresses through a Northland-wide project or used in cement making by Golden Bay, the PM was told.

Luxon said he had seen examples of families having to take their children out of sports because of the costs and he praised ReSport for helping turn that around.

“Well done, it’s incredible what you’ve achieved,” he said.

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.