Māori Development Fund Backs Water Storage Project to Boost Northland Food Security

Northland is particularly vulnerable to variable rainfall and prolonged dry periods, which place increasing pressure on land use, productivity, and rural livelihoods.

Government investment through the Māori Development Fund is backing early-stage development of a proposed water storage reservoir near Kaitaia, a move aimed at strengthening climate resilience, boosting food production, and unlocking long-term regional growth in Northland.

Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced the co-investment to support Te Make Farms Ltd, a Ngāi Takoto–owned enterprise, to undertake critical technical assessments and preparatory work required for a future resource consent application. The project focuses on improving year-round water security in one of New Zealand’s most climate-exposed agricultural regions.

Northland is particularly vulnerable to variable rainfall and prolonged dry periods, which place increasing pressure on land use, productivity, and rural livelihoods. Reliable water infrastructure is widely recognised as a foundational requirement for resilient food systems, especially as climate variability intensifies.

“Reliable water infrastructure underpins productive land use, regional jobs, and a secure food supply,” Mr Potaka says. “That’s why the Government is focused on fixing the basics early, by supporting practical work that helps landowners plan properly and make informed decisions.”

The Māori Development Fund investment enables Te Make Farms Ltd to commission technical advice and feasibility assessments, ensuring decisions are based on sound evidence before larger capital commitments are made. This early-stage approach is designed to reduce risk, strengthen long-term outcomes, and improve the project’s ability to attract future investment.

According to Ngāi Takoto, the proposed reservoir has the potential to significantly expand the amount of land that can be farmed productively once operational. Increased water security would support higher-value land use, improve resilience during dry seasons, and enhance food production capacity, while ensuring the whenua remains in Māori ownership.

Mr Potaka says getting the fundamentals right early is critical for sustainable development. “Projects that are well planned from the outset are far more likely to deliver lasting economic, environmental, and social benefits for whānau and the wider region.”

The co-investment positions Te Make Farms Ltd to progress the project in stages, with governance, ownership, and decision-making remaining firmly with Ngāi Takoto. Over time, the development is expected to contribute to regional employment, strengthen Northland’s agricultural base, and support a more resilient local food supply.