HEB Construction and Tonkin & Taylor are the preferred contractors for the multi-million dollar Opotiki Harbour construction project the Opotiki District Council has announced.

'It has been an intense process as both tenderers worked hard to come up with the best possible design and plan to build the harbour entrance. We thank them both for their time, effort and vision,” says Opotiki Mayor John Forbes.

'I would like to stress that we still have to work through the tendering process and the budgets required. This means negotiations may take some time.”

The consortium was selected as the preferred tenderer for harbour construction at the Opotiki District Council meeting on May 23.

Meanwhile, the Pathways to Work project will begin its focus on employment and training in preparation for the opportunities that may emerge in the industries and ventures associated with the harbour and aquaculture.

'We have been working closely with the College, Te Pou Oranga o Whakatohea, and Whakaatu Whanaunga Trust,' says project manager for Pathways to Work Barbara MacLennan.

'These organisations are very focused on creating new pathways, and wraparound support to people keen to ready themselves to apply for roles when they become available. We also know there's a need to start considering part–time and night courses for those already in work, but wanting to broaden their relevant skillsets.

'Work continues to build the case for investment in the harbour. We encourage companies to consider what a harbour in Opotiki could mean for their business and future development plans. You can get in touch by calling Opotiki District Council and speaking to Mike Houghton.”

The harbour development, which will ensure a minimum channel depth of about four metres, will create 24/7 access to the harbour for larger vessels, allowing Opotiki to become a service and processing base for the aquaculture industry and other marine related industries.

Underpinning this project is a strong commitment from local community leaders, including iwi and Council, to focus on community economic development and generating jobs for local people.

Developing aquaculture within Opotiki will create a platform for sustainable economic growth in the district by:

· Creating new jobs (2012 research estimated more than 440 full-time jobs)

· Adding more than $34 million a year to the district's economy and $55 million nationally

· Substantially increasing average household incomes.