Multi-million dollar loan for Tukituki project // Mark Patterson, Minister for Rural Communities

This episode explores the governments $18 million loan for pre-construction work for the ambitious water storage and irrigation projects Hawke's Bay which would unlock a potential $700 million in value. Mark discusses the Tukituki project's being an example of how the coalition government is fast-tracking legislation is being used to accelerate regional development. "Investors want certainty in environmental approvals so hopefully this fast track legislation helps unlocks the investment to get this project off the ground," says Mark Patterson, Minister for Rural Communities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hawke's Bay Water Initiatives01:29 Details of the $18 Million Loan for Rurotanafa02:25 Lessons from the Ruatanawha Project03:21 Projected Costs and Economic Impact of the Dam04:21 Addressing Water Shortages and Future Needs05:09 Funding Mechanisms and Investment Strategies06:05 Political Support and Regional Development Policies07:33 Role of Fast Track Legislation in Project Acceleration08:33 Other Water Storage Projects in New Zealand09:02 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook Resources Tukituki Water Security Project - https://www.tukitukiwater.co.nz/ CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.