Auckland relocation sites announced

With a strong section of the Auckland public wanting the prized waterfront land to be freed for recreational use and the port indicating a need for expansion to handle future cargo volumes, an initial list of 12 sites was considered under the Port Future Study.

Despite Manukau’s proximity to rail and road links, stakeholders have questioned if this option could ultimately serve the purpose, in part because of its shallow harbour depth and also given its West Coast location making it susceptible to considerable tidal issues.

Thames is seen as potentially serving as a “superport”, able to accommodate the combined volumes of both PoAL and neighbouring Port of Tauranga. However, the latter’s leadership has poured cold water on any merger possibility, with “that horse has bolted” being mooted following it committing to significant recent infrastructure investment.

It has been speculated that, following some anticipated expansion at its current location, PoAL will strike capacity issues within two decades. A relocation of the over 175-year-old port has been forecast to require 15 years to complete.

With elections due in October, it is expected the Auckland Council will take its leave before commissioning a detailed comparative analysis between the two short-listed options.