Bay of Plenty’s newest industrial Business Park celebrated

The development of the Rangiuru Business Park, the Bay’s modern, connected and future-focussed Business Park officially commenced today.

The Rangiuru Business Park is majority owned by Quayside Properties Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Quayside Holdings Limited, the investment arm of Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

The land development site in Rangiuru was blessed with the support of the Tapuika Iwi Authority and local kaumātua as earthworks commenced on the largest greenfield consented industrial zone in the Bay of Plenty. Tapuika, led by their local kaumātua, Rev Rereamanu Wihapi QSM, welcomed attendees to the blessing, including Minister of Internal Affairs Jan Tinetti, regional and local government representatives and Quayside partners.

Rev Rereamanu Wihapi QSM today bestowed blessings upon the land under development for Rangiuru Business Park, in Te Puke. The local kaumātua’s blessings prefaced the commencement of earthworks on the Park, which is the largest greenfield consented industrial zone in the Bay of Plenty.

Quayside Holdings CEO, Scott Hamilton says “We are pleased to share the vision of the Rangiuru Business Park with the wider community; a vision that provides much-needed industrial land in a vitally important area to the region.” As Stage 1 commences, Mr Hamilton noted that the Park’s focus was on high quality, modern industrial facilities.

Mr Witeri Williams, Chairman of the Tapuika Iwi Authority, underlined the importance of the land to the Tapuika Iwi.

“Rangiuru is our central maunga (mountain), which can be seen from the site and is central to our identity and our link to our ancestors. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Quayside when the build commences,” said Mr Williams.

Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Chairman, Doug Leeder, also recognised the value of this development, stating it is critical to growing a thriving and prosperous region, with the Business Park delivering a range of benefits, including up to 4,000 high quality jobs.

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor Garry Webber says the Rangiuru Business Park is geographically well located to support the continued growth of the entire region, providing a vital industrial park strategically located between eastern and western Bay of Plenty and Rotorua.

“The Rangiuru Business Park is a clear example of a key strategic project supported by multiple partners that creates a shared vision for our communities,” said Mayor Webber.

Minister Tinetti highlighted the importance of strategic projects such as the Rangiuru Business Park for the region’s infrastructure to enable growth for future generations. “Providing funding for infrastructure projects like the Rangiuru Business Park is about more than roads and buildings. It’s jobs for now and in the future, communities with options opening up for them, diversified and strengthened local economies. Today marks an important step towards that future for the people of Te Puke and all of the region.”

Mr Hamilton thanked all partners who have supported the development of the Rangiuru Business Park to date, including Tapuika Iwi Authority, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and SmartGrowth. It is also supported by local industry including Te Puke’s Economic Development Agency and the Port of Tauranga.

Altogether, the four stages of The Rangiuru Business Park will provide 148 hectares of industrial space, providing opportunities for businesses wanting to relocate or expand. The Park’s position leverages the demand for industrial space in the ‘Golden Triangle’ as well as central North Island links with Whakatāne, Rotorua and Taupō, with possible connections by road, rail and sea. An $18 million grant from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) was announced in 2020 to fund the construction of an interchange connecting the Rangiuru Business Park with the Tauranga Eastern Link road.

For more information, including video footage, please visit www.rangiuru.co.nz