The commercial arm of Waikato-Tainui is welcoming a Government decision to refer part of its Ruakura development in Hamilton to a board of inquiry.
Tainui Group Holdings' Ruakura Development Plan includes an inland freight port, industrial and commercial areas and housing.
The Environmental Protection Authority in July recommended a board of inquiry be formed to consider the application because it was a project of national significance.
Tainui Group Holdings chief executive Mike Pohio says the project will be a huge and timely shot in the arm for the region, as it will create more than 700 jobs within the first five years.
The board of inquiry's first task will be to agree to accept the plan change for processing and, if it does, it will have nine months to hold hearings, deliberate and make a decision.
