Civil Defense Minister, Gerry Brownlee, has announced additional funding of $700,000 for the restoration of Kaikoura Harbor, bringing the government’s total contribution to $5.7 million, according to the New Zealand Government latest release.
Two major commercial operators, Whale Watch Kaikoura and Encounter Kaikoura, have been working with the Kaikoura District Council and the Crown and have also agreed to help fund the harbor’s restoration.
Mr Brownlee said that the collaborative approach between local and central government and business operators will mean this essential facility will be better than it was before the magnitude 7.8 earthquake.
An initial $5 million government contribution to repairs was announced in December after the earthquake rendered the harbour unusable outside high tide.
“With this additional funding we’re well on track to getting the harbor fully up and running again by October,” said Mr. Brownlee.
“The harbor is an essential part of infrastructure for Kaikoura, providing livelihoods for the operators and supporting businesses and the platform for a world renowned tourist experience.
“The initial $5 million grant was a rough estimate so repairs could get going immediately. Now that the detailed design is complete, we have a better picture of the total costs.
“It’s been a huge job. Massive amounts of material were dredged and removed after the seabed was raised by up to 2m in places by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake.”
The additional funding will restore the four berths and jetty, which are vital to the operations of the whale and dolphin watching tourist ventures, the release said.
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