The farm could produce about NZ$30 million in exports and create at least 100 new jobs.
Biomarine, which operates oyster farming in Mahurangi Harbour and a processing plant at Snells Beach, has been given approval by the Auckland Regional Council to start work on the long-planned project after years of battling red tape, according to Stuff.
The new oyster farm will eventually cover 76 hectares, dwarfing the 26 hectares that the company uses for aquaculture in Mahurangi Harbour.
Biomarine chief executive Jim Dollimore says the new farm will be among the largest oyster farms in the country, and because of the quality of the water will be the most productive, Stuff says.
His company will invest between NZ$3 million and NZ$4 million developing the farm, with a further $2m invested in a new oyster processing plant planned for Woodcocks Rd, Warkworth.
The processing plant is expected to be up and running by 2011.
The oyster farm at Kaipara will take 12 years to reach full production.
Oyster Farm for Kaipara
NEW ZEALAND - Work has started on New Zealands largest oyster farm in Kaipara Harbour.