Auckland relocation political hot potato

Embracing a sentiment that the port’s stated need for expansion is at odds with the wider needs of the city – as evidenced by the public protest to such plans mid last year – candidates Victoria Crone, John Palino and Phil Goff are advocating a relocation.

Emphasising that the city’s economy is no longer driven by the port as it once was, Ms Crone called for a 50-to-100-year view to be taken.

Targeting relocation within a decade, Mr Palino believed some form of merger is necessary with Tauranga and Whangarei ports.

Opposing expansion in the current location, Mr Goff added that the port will reach maximum bulk cargo capacity within three to ten years and container volume capacity within the next 24 to 40 years.

A recently-launched Port Future Study is assessing potential new locations for the port.