Napier port sale denied

The speculation arose when council chairperson Alan Dick said his organisation was seeking to acquire the 8.2% in the port it currently does not own and then “subject to public consultation” could be enabled to sell back to 51%.

This would leave the council with a controlling interest in the “strategic asset”, but free up money for investment in infrastructure projects that would deliver economic benefits for the region, he said.

However, following media interest, the council issued a press release confirming it was planning to acquire the minor shareholding from Horizons Regional Council by the end of June but advising it had no imminent sell-down plans.

“… that would only be possible if the case was so compelling that it survived a special public consultation process that all Hawke’s Bay ratepayers and citizens would participate in,” continued the statement.

“As well, the policy provides that as a vital strategic asset the council would never hold less than a controlling interest.”

CentrePort Wellington chairperson Warren Larsen said his company could be interested in buying into the port but advised his board had not yet discussed the possibility.