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Kaikōura District Council has confirmed exactly how its $835,000 International Visitor Levy investment will be spent, with the money split across three projects targeting one of the town’s key reserves, its northern gateway and the wharf.
The largest share, $500,000, will go toward implementing the Pohowero Park master plan.
Council senior manager corporate services Peter Kearney says the reserve management plan for the area “prioritises improved access through extended pathways, dedicated trails for walking, cycling, and horse riding, and better parking facilities. These upgrades will ensure the reserve more welcoming and safer for a wider range of visitors, supporting the national objective of creating high-quality, accessible tourism infrastructure. The introduction of natural play areas, disc golf, art installations, and family-friendly spaces supports the reserve becoming a multi-activity destination. This diversification will encourage longer stays and repeat visits which aligns with both national and local strategies to increase domestic and international visitor engagement.”
A further $200,000 is earmarked for the northern entrance to the township. Peter says the project “is intended to be a collaborative effort between KDC, NZTA and local businesses” and “will involve improving the layout, parking, stormwater and amenity value of the area.”
The remaining $135,000 will go toward the wharf, where Peter says the goal is “enhancing the visitor experience at the wharf facilities to improve the overall logistics and safety of embarking and disembarking passengers as we continue to position ourselves as the destination of choice and the worlds best small town.”
On funding, Peter says the council applied and received for the funding, with the full amount requested, received and says ratepayer exposure is expected to be minimal. “The Pohowero Park project currently has funding assigned from our forestry reserve,” he says. “The remaining two projects will be considered through Council’s normal prioritisation process, with any additional Council contribution expected to be less than $75,000. As the funding decision was received after adoption of the Annual Plan, no specific budget provision was included for these projects.”
Despite a recent decline in cruise ship numbers, Peter says the town’s strategy hasn’t changed. “We acknowledge cruise ship numbers have decreased over the past few years however for Kaikoura it is important that we remain an exceptional cruise ship destination noting that Cruise Aotearoa New Zealand 2040 strategy refers to actions regarding efficient port operations and empowering regions and ports so the investment aligns strongly with these themes.”
