Big plans to reinstate a historic ferry network connecting Northland and Auckland

For years, ferries ran between Dargaville and Helensville on the Kaipara Harbour - linking to the rail service to Auckland.

They have long since stopped, but there's renewed talk of a fast ferry between the two towns.

It follows the Government's latest Provincial Growth Fund announcement which earmarks 27-million-dollars to help strengthen Kaipara's transport infrastructure and the horticulture sector.

Kaipara mayor Jason Smith says the ferry plan - with the possibility of a car ferry from Ruawai - has the potential to revolutionise the region.

He says the network would increase tourism flows, get produce to market quicker.