Matakana Island’s Opureora Wharf is getting a $2.01 million upgrade.

The money from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will upgrade the island’s only vehicle and freight gateway, built in the 1980s.

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones said in a media release Matakana Island, home to about 320 residents, had no road connection to the mainland and relied on the wharf for freight, supplies, workers and essential services.

The island’s economy is based largely on forestry, dairy farming and horticulture.

Jones said the wharf, named after Opureora Marae, played a vital role in the community and island economy.

“For the people and businesses of Matakana Island, this wharf is not a nice-to-have. It is their lifeline and the gateway for the island’s economic growth,” he said.

The $2.9m project will extend the seawall, widen and seal the loading area, formalise loading and parking areas, improve stormwater management, and install safety barriers and associated roading improvements.

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones. Photo / NZME

Associate Minister for Regional Development Mark Patterson said the investment would also protect the coast below Ōpureora Marae from erosion while improving island access.

“By removing a long-standing bottleneck, it will make daily operations at the wharf safer and more efficient, and give the community a more dependable connection to the mainland,” he said.

The project has been championed by the Ōpureora Marae Committee. It will be delivered by Western Bay of Plenty District Council in partnership with the committee and local landowners.

Additional funding will come from the Māori Climate Platform, which previously announced $700,000 towards the seawall works, while Western Bay of Plenty District Council has contributed $200,000.

The project is expected to support about 19 fulltime equivalent jobs during construction.

Work is scheduled to begin in late 2026.

Meanwhile, Winston Peters will be hosting a public meeting at the Holy Trinity Wharf at 2pm today.