While we wait for Jones to further curry favours with our money, let’s check out this $40m investment in the Waikato’s wellbeing

We are sure we haven’t heard the last of Shane Jones and what remains of the $3 billion Provincial Growth Fund from which he distributes big bucks to boost regional economies while hoping (we are sure) to be remembered fondly when people cast their votes.

But it wasn’t Jones who announced the Government is investing $40 million to develop an inland port at Ruakura.    This news was delivered by Urban Development and Transport Minister Phil Twyford and (doing good things with public money for her home patch) Māori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta.  No doubt both ministers will be hoping this largess is translated into votes, particularly the Maori vote.

The inland port – a project in which Tainui Group Holdings is deeply immersed – will become a freight super-hub and a future business, research and residential development for the Waikato.

This development has been in the works for years, but access to both road and rail was crucial and the project is dependent on completion of the Waikato Expressway.

A big step forward was taken in February this year when Tainui Group Holdings and Port of Tauranga announced a 50:50 joint venture to establish the port, which was set to open by late 2021 at the same time as the final section of the Waikato Expressway.