The New Zealand Government, through the Māori Development Fund, is investing in early-stage work for a proposed water storage reservoir near Kaitaia to strengthen regional resilience and support food production, according to Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka.
The project is led by Te Make Farms Ltd, owned by Ngāi Takoto, and aims to improve year-round water security in Northland, a region where variable weather can challenge land use and agricultural supply. Reliable water infrastructure is seen as essential for productive land use, sustaining regional jobs, and supporting consistent food production.
The Māori Development Fund co-investment is helping Te Make Farms Ltd commission technical advice and assessments, including preparatory work for a future resource consent application. Minister Potaka emphasized that getting the fundamentals right early in the project increases the likelihood of delivering long-term value for the community.
Once the water storage facility is operational, Ngāi Takoto expects to expand the amount of land in production, enhancing both agricultural output and resilience while keeping the land under Māori ownership. The co-investment is also expected to position Te Make Farms Ltd to attract further investment over time, with ownership and decision-making remaining with the whenua owners.
Te Puni Kōkiri administers the Māori Development Fund and is contributing $191,700 to support Te Make Farms Ltd in accessing expert technical advice, matched by the company’s own investment in cash and in-kind contributions. Funding is available to organisations that meet the Māori Development Fund’s priorities, criteria, and reporting requirements.
