Coromandel has the potential to become the home to New Zealand's largest fishing industry with a $13 million water project underway.

The Kōpū Marine Precinct project, near Thames, was one of two Provincial Growth Fund projects granted to the district in 2018.

Coromandel MP Scott Simpson​ says this marks the beginnings of a significant project not only for the district, but the whole region.

'This project is going to be endearing, profitable and culturally advantageous to our district.”

The $13 million build aligns with the Government's goal to turn aquaculture industry towards becoming a $3 billion industry by 2035 – with Coromandel playing a major role.

Coromandel produces more than 26 per cent of New Zealand's greenshell mussels and 24 per cent of Pacific oysters.

Once the project is complete, it's estimated it could bring economic returns of up to $58.5 million over the next 30 years as well as up to 108 jobs.

Coromandel produces more than 26 per cent of New Zealand's greenshell mussels and 24 per cent of Pacific oysters.

Simpson says the district has long valued the water, but the 'blue highway” is often when overlooked.

'Today, this shovel ready project – and what will come from it – in many respects is a back to the future project – to a time when Kōpū was the hub of commerce, enterprise, community and culture of this area based on its location.

'In a strange way this project is a coming together of the past and future.”

Mayor Sandra Goudie​ is also excited to see the project underway. She just wishes it hadn't taken 'so bloody long”.

The council was originally granted $8.2 million through the Government's $3 billion infrastructure fund in 2020, but significant growth in costs over the last two years exceeded that budget.

Council had to secure further funding to meet the $6.58 million shortfall, through a range of funding mechanisms.

The majority – $4.05 million – came from the Department of Internal Affairs' Better Off Three Waters funding.

Construction on the wharf will begin in October, and is scheduled to finish by April 2024.

'I can't tell you what difference it's going to make going forward ... I just wish the processes weren't so , lengthy and costly,” Goudie says.

Construction on the wharf will begin in October, and is scheduled to finish by April 2024.

The new development includes a commercial slipway, commercial wharf, pontoon, haulage access area, a new public recreational boat ramp and parking area, along with a new access road on King Street linking Queen St and Kōpū Quay.

-Sharnae Hope/Stuff.