Plenty of things to be optimistic about in Bream Bay

PLENT Y OF THINGS TO BE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT

IN BREAM BAY

Jon Moore Northport

Opening CH4 commercial facility based at NIWA in Ruakaka As we head towards what’s promising to be a bumper summer here in Bream Bay, I am blown away by how fast this area is growing, and yet community spirit is going strong.

If we realise our potential, I see Bream Bay as a community that has a strong future in agriculture and horticulture, in the marine industry, and in tourism, embracing new technology while using the best- located port in New Zealand to add value to our national supply chain.

Innovation will be key to commerce in the future, so I was thrilled to be in Ruakākā when CH4 Aotearoa opened its commercial facility at NIWA’s Northern Aquaculture

Centre, growing methane-busting red seaweed for farming. I am excited about the massive potential this has for our agriculture industry. Research shows that when fed to cattle in small amounts, these supplements can reduce methane emissions by up to 90%, and may even allow cattle to gain more weight, from better digestions of the same feed.

Another local start-up in One Tree Point is Core Technology Ltd. This innovative company was awarded co-funding to pilot electric outboard motors. Core Technology has designed and built 3, 6 and 10hp electric outboard motors for use on small watercraft and tenders. The motors will be offered as part of an exciting pilot which will take part in our region. There will be three different sizes of battery for marina owners and boat owners to trial for optimal configuration of motor, battery size and use case.

Meanwhile, overseas tourist numbers for the month of October showed a significant uptick, while net migration has already turned positive over the last four months.

Over 21,000 working holiday visitors have now arrived in country, and it is great to hear a number of workers are choosing to base themselves in Bream Bay, providing local companies with much needed labour during a time of global shortage.

As your MP, I undertook a community survey on Sustainable Transport projects in Whangārei last year. One Tree Point responses were by far the highest volume, and it was great to hear the community voice coming through loud and clear.

In the survey, the Bream Bay community highlighted a lack of alternative transport connections between bustling One Tree Point and Ruakākā. While the project missed out on the recent $14 million Government funding for Whangārei District Council transport projects, this shows the importance of residents advocating for this project in Council Annual Plans or Long Term Plans. It is great to hear a local developer offer the potential use of land for the shared path route. It is community-led projects like this that offer great potential for Council to consider when planning for future growth in the area.

Recently I was talking to Northport CE, Jon Moore about their expansion. It closed for submissions a few weeks ago, but I believe that this, along with the Shipyard/Dry Dock is a big part of the key to unlocking Te Tai Tokerau's economic potential. Northport have a good environmental record and are passionate about Whangārei.

So there’s lots to be optimistic about as we head into summer.

Opening CH4 commercial facility based at NIWA in Ruakaka

Bream Bay Shared Path members talk to Obaid Noori from NTA and Bream Bay Councillor Ken Couper about their vision for a safe cycle route from One Tree Point to Ruakaka town centre.

More transport funding for Whangārei!

The Government’s Transport Choices package has funded Whangarei District Council $14 million for sustainable transport projects. • CBD Bike and public transport facilities ($3.3 million) • Kamo Shared Path connections ($4.6 million)