More cash for Northland from the Provincial Growth Fund.

Almost 13 million dollars will go to two water storage projects - including up to 12 million for Northland's Regional Council.

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says water's critical for Northland’s economy - but it's increasingly under threat from floods and drought.

A further 4 million's going to upgrading the Dargaville pontoon - the first step in a plan to improve wharves on Kaipara Harbour.

It comes after yesterday's 109.7 million dollar boost for rail upgrades in the region.

The government has allocated 12-million dollars from the Provincial Growth Fund for water storage and use in the region which is at risk of drought.

Northland Inc chief executive Murray Reade says the project will open up land for horticulture, create hundreds of jobs and grow the economy by tens of millions per year.

"It is really awesome for the Far North. It creates an opportunity to manage a very precious, like water, in an effective way for the benefit of the community and the economy." 

Northland Regional Council Chair Penny Smart says it will help local government deliver vital infrastructure for the region.

And she says Northland needs it now more than ever. 

"This would be very helpful right now when the region is teetering on the edge of full-blown drought."

"A lot of Northland’s rain comes at once and there is a huge opportunity to capture this water and provide greater resilience to climate change, along with economic opportunities for our communities," Smart says.