9 AUGUST 2011
UPGRADE FOR KAURI POINT

This week I announced plans for the redevelopment of the Defence Force’s Kauri Point facility. These plans include new igloo-type ammunition storage bunkers, upgraded security systems and a modern explosive processing unit. For some time I have been concerned that the facilities at Kauri Point needed improvement. Since we became Government we have explored various options and initiated a range of measures to ensure the integrity of our ammunition storage.

In May, my fellow North Shore MP Dr Jonathan Coleman, and the Chair and Deputy Chair of the local community board and I were briefed at Kauri Point by the new management team. Following the visit I asked the Defence Force to draw up a comprehensive plan for the long-term development of the site.

This new development plan has been costed at $7 million. Importantly, it will result in a 21st century site with much of the existing infrastructure left to be retired. The plan also provides for addressing any contamination issues, which have been identified by an NZDF study currently underway with the Auckland Council. In the interim a range of measures are in place to ensure that a high level of security is maintained. The security of the public, along with Defence personnel who work on site, remains our highest priority.

Kauri Point will get the overhaul it needs to make it a modern facility that best meets the expectations of the community and the requirements of the contemporary defence force.

BACKING OUR INNOVATORS

The New Zealand IT sector is brimming with a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. These people are working in high-potential, globally-focused high-tech businesses. The IT industry is dynamic and hugely competitive. It operates in a high market growth area, and the sooner New Zealand companies can tap into the global IT community, the more quickly they will get traction.

This week, I announced two major initiatives:

Digital Technology Entrepreneurs

In this package the Government will invest $2.8 million over four years to support up to 20 budding entrepreneurs each year to help them grow a high-value, global innovative business. New Zealand is a hotbed of IT modernisation and this programme will nurture those with entrepreneurial flair and the potential to innovate and create value for New Zealand’s digital technologies sector.

The Kiwi Landing Pad

This is a commitment of US$300,000 to set up the Kiwi Landing Pad Ltd – a hub for New Zealand high-tech businesses in San Francisco. This project has been initiated by TradeMe founder Sam Morgan. Leading entrepreneurs such as Sir Stephen Tindall, Rod Drury and John Holt are all supporting this new hub.
The Landing Pad is aimed at being a shop front where New Zealand businesses can physically be together and tap into each other’s networks and connections. This is a critical step in helping our high-tech businesses access the US market.
There is a strong desire amongst the business community to create success stories and put New Zealand on the map as a ‘smart nation’. Working together and utilising key people for networks abroad will help innovative and entrepreneurial New Zealand firms to maintain a competitive edge in international markets.

DEVONPORT WHARF REFURBISHMENTS

Many of you will have seen work being undertaken at the Devonport Wharf recently. This is the first part of a two-stage refurbishment programme being led by Auckland Council. The Devonport-Takapuna local board played a critical role in securing support from Auckland Transport for the cosmetic and structural overhaul of the facility.

Auckland Council’s plans for the wharf are broken into two stages. This enables $580,000 worth of improvements to be completed before Rugby World Cup 2011. More intensive structural developments will begin in 2012.

This is, undoubtedly, long overdue. The Wharf has not had a substantial upgrade for nearly 20 years. Over that time its use as a major transport hub has grown considerably. The current facility services tens of thousands of visitors and commuters each year; the upgrade will bring enormous user benefits.

Victoria Wharf will also see improvements before the Rugby World Cup 2011 and a full-scale refurbishment is likely to be explored down the track. Long-term plans place this upgrade alongside the development of a Marine Square. Once developed, the Marine Square will connect the waterfront with Devonport village. The construction of a boardwalk between the two wharves would measure one of the final stages in Devonport’s waterfront development.

It is excellent to see the Wharf getting this much deserved attention. Members of the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board should be commended on their hard work to obtain this result. These refurbishments will inevitably lead to a better, safer Wharf and a strengthened seaport for North Shore’s burgeoning public transport network.

CONGRATULATIONS

Last weekend North Shore faced off against Silverdale in the North Harbour Rugby Premier Final. The pride of the Shore prevailed. My warmest congratulations to Captain James Hincho and the team on their outstanding success.

This was North Shore’s first championship victory in 10 years. It is a deserving reward for the commitment made by the players, coaches and their loyal fans. Grassroots rugby has always been a visible part of life on the Shore I hope our emerging local talents will enjoy the exciting months of Rugby ahead, for the Shore, New Zealand and hopefully, the All Blacks.

Hon Dr Wayne Mapp

MP North Shore

© Scoop Media