Council implored to back Auckland

In a media release, former New Zealand Shippers’ Council (NZSC) chairperson Greg Steed said it was imperative port infrastructure was matched to trade growth and changing trade patterns. This included the expansion required to handle increasing sizes of international vessel callers and their greater cargo consolidation needs.

For New Zealand’s economy to remain internationally competitive, the country’s importers and exporters needed long-term access to efficient and robust supply chains, he said.

In response, Auckland Mayor Len Brown said development of the waterfront held “huge strategic importance”.

“We value our port, but we have to be ultra careful in how we develop the taonga that is the Waitemata,” he said.

“Before we consider any expansion of the port’s footprint, we need to understand the underlying value of port land, the costs of the port activity on Auckland’s urban form and the cost of supporting transport infrastructure.”

The Council is in the throes of commissioning a ‘stage two’ study of the port’s long-term plan. It has recently moved to make any further port reclamation a ‘non-complying activity’, meaning proposals could not have significant adverse effects on the surrounding environment or be contrary to planning policies.