The government allocated a $3.1 million Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) loan to launch an industrial subdivision near Gore, Associate Minister for Regional Development Mark Patterson announced.
“The 43-hectare development is a 50/50 partnership between Ngāi Tahu iwi authority Hokonui Rūnanga and Robertson Transport Limited,” Patterson said.
“It tackles the critical shortage of large industrial lots in the Gore District and supports long-term prosperity for both partners and the wider Eastern Southland community.”
The $13.6 million project, located strategically along State Highway 1, will convert underused farmland into a vibrant industrial hub. It aims to generate up to 50 construction jobs while drawing in sectors like fertiliser distribution, farm equipment services, warehousing, and retail.
“This development will provide Hokonui Rūnanga with a sustainable income stream through long-term leases, enabling it to fund vital health and social services for the community,” Patterson added.
The RIF is providing Southland with vital infrastructure to diversify its economy and enhance resilience. It addresses a key shortage of prime industrial land in the Gore District, which requires an extra 100 hectares to support future expansion.
According to Patterson, “Southland already delivers 12% of New Zealand’s pastoral exports with just 2% of the population. This investment will help ensure the region’s economy continues to thrive.”