Oruku Landing, again

The promoters of the on-again off-again Oruku Landing Hotel and Conference Centre in Whangārei have revived hopes that the project may continue.

It has been reported that Northland Development Corporation Ltd has applied for consent via the Fast-Track Approvals process, with funding being sourced from the government’s new Regional Infrastructure Fund. The Fast-Track Approvals Act is expected to be passed into law shortly. 

Whangarei Mayor, Vince Cocurullo, has said the $11 million the council had committed in conditional funding was no longer available. Given some councillors had previously supported ratepayer funding for the project, the full council needs to make a final declaration confirming no ratepayer funding will be provided for the Oruku landing project. 

Northern Advocate: Ōruku Landing hotel and conference centre in Whangārei hoping for fast-track consent  Here>>>

How they voted - Oruku Landing Decision - Whangarei District Council

Oruku Landing Decision (full council. 23 March 2023) 

Moved By Cr Gavin Benney, Seconded By Cr Phil Halse

That the Council:

Council commits ratepayers money to Oruku Landing project

By a majority of 7 to 6, the Whangarei District Council has voted ratepayers should contribute up to $10.4m towards the Oruku Landing project in the Town Basin area. 

This is despite the project being voted down by councillors in November 2021 after 80% of the more than 5000 submissions received from the public opposed ratepayer funding. Radio NZ >>>

At the 23 March 2023 council meeting, the council passed the following motion: