The announcement that Golden Bay’s Port Tarakohe is to be offered a $20 million loan from the Provincial Growth Fund has drawn questions from National’s List MP based in West Coast-Tasman Maureen Pugh.

‘Whilst I fully support the redevelopment with its boost to the mussel industry and benefits to both commercial and recreational users, I am asking why the previously approved grant has now become a loan.’

‘I have to ask why our small Golden Bay community isn’t getting treated equally when compared to a synthetic race track with dubious economic benefits.

Maureen Pugh is writing to PGF Minister Shane Jones seeking clarification as to why, in just a few months, Port Tarakohe’s grant has now been re-announced as a loan.