As late as the mid-1960s, Opotiki's harbour was an important part of the district's transport infrastructure. The harbour provided a vital link to markets and supported transport of goods and products around New Zealand and to the wider world.
As the region's roading infrastructure developed, use of the port reduced and the harbour was not maintained. Significant shallowing of the Waioeka River mouth (harbour entrance) resulted in access being limited to smaller vessels which can only cross the bar in good conditions. Bad weather further reduces harbour access.
Re-establishing the harbour is a long-held community aspiration. The Opotiki Harbour Development Project will provide a platform for sustainable economic growth by:
- Capitalising on opportunities from the existing 3,800 hectare marine farm offshore from Opotiki.
- Enabling other aquaculture ventures and marine related development in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
- Increasing overall social, economic and cultural wellbeing in Opotiki and the wider Eastern Bay of Plenty.
- Enhancing recreation opportunities and public access to the coast.
