Major development for New Zealand port?

Such is the claim of owner, Tasman District Council, whose documentation states the project would unlock the growth potential of the mussel farming industry in Golden Bay and Tasman Bay; provide a GDP uplift of between NZ$983m and NZ$1.466bn; and provide 1030 jobs across the New Zealand economy over 25 years.

Tasman deputy Mayor, Tim King, said: “The port is a highly-valued community asset. We need to acknowledge its past history and current use, all while ensuring it’s going to be around for future generations.”

According to the documentation, the development provides opportunity to “increase the return on Maori-owned water space, assist the training, upskilling and job opportunities for Top of the South iwi and provide further investment opportunities to achieve intergenerational aspirations”.

In addition to those benefits, the project would also address issues which have arisen regarding food safety and space availability for the aquaculture sector, following dolomite shipments being loaded at the port.

“The development of Port Tarakohe will address these concerns, allowing the sector to operate safely and efficiently,” states the documentation.

“Recreational use will be catered for, including more mooring and improved separation of commercial areas.”

A second window of consultation and feedback was due to close at the time of writing. If the business case is approved, the Tasman District Council will apply for funding to the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF), which has previously allocated up to NZ$252,000 for the council to complete its investigations.