Tourism fund provides boost for Western Bay

There will be improved opportunities to take in the scenic sights of the Western Bay of Plenty, thanks to a Government grant and Council co-funding.

Minden Lookout in Whakamārama is one of three local attractions that Western Bay of Plenty District Council has received funding for to contribute to repairs.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF) exists to help Councils across Aotearoa New Zealand create and manage tourism infrastructure.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council has been granted $255,000 across three projects: Minden Lookout repairs ($125,000); Te Tawa ki Tahataharoa access trail beside the Wairoa River ($100,000) and the Kaikōkopu Trail between Paengaroa and Okere Falls ($30,000).

Council’s General Manager Infrastructure Services, Cedric Crow, welcomes the funding.

“These grants, coupled with co-funding from Council, will greatly improve how we all enjoy these local gems. We’re so pleased we can make these repairs to enhance what we already have to offer.

“We’re really proud of our home, and this funding will go some way to growing the experience that our local whānau and visitors have in this beautiful part of Aotearoa New Zealand.”

The Minden Lookout offers a sweeping panorama of the District, but has been temporarily closed since March 2023, while the viewing platform’s condition was under investigation. The tourism funding will be utilised for repairs to this structure.

Repairs will also be carried out to Te Tawa Ki Tahataharoa Shared Path in Te Puna, in partnership with Tāngata Whenua. The path provides access to the important wetland and the mahi will improve the path's resilience to future severe weather events

Repairs at Kaikōkopu Trail will be focused near the forestry section, approximately one kilometre from Linchenstein Road. This trail has been badly damaged from severe rain events earlier this year resulting in the hard decision to discourage using it.

“With this funding and Council’s matching contribution, Council can now commit resources to get on with these repairs and complete them as soon as possible. We’re sure this will be welcome news to those who know and love these spots already,” says Cedric.

You can read more about the Tourism Infrastructure Fund on the Beehive website.