PGF invests $8 million in Hawke’s Bay to create jobs in horticulture, manufacturing industries

To prepare youth for vocational training and job readiness, and generate employment opportunities in the manufacturing, recycling and horticulture industries, the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) is investing nearly $8 million in two game-changing projects in the Hawke’s Bay, a region in New Zealand.

The PGF investments announced include the construction of a hostel at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Sports Park, with the objective of bringing about a positive social change and enhancing job prospects most disadvantaged young people and a $2.88 million loan for the Hawk Group to install an additional line at their existing manufacturing facility in Hastings with the Hawk Group funding the remaining 50 per cent of the total project cost.

“The Hawke’s Bay region was earmarked at the beginning of the PGF’s inception as a priority region to build on its farming and horticulture strengths, and provide employment opportunities and higher wages for locals,” Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau said.

“Hawke’s Bay, like a lot of our regions, has been hit by the economic fallout from COVID-19 and for the Hawke’s Bay region, additionally by drought. So it is more important now than ever that we work hard to support Hawke’s Bay through job creation and economic activity,” Tabuteau added.

Sources said this investment will create over 30 immediate jobs during the construction phase alone, as well as contributing to increased productivity over the long term across manufacturing, recycling and horticulture industries, with the majority of revenue staying in the region.