NZ port council mooted

A regional council forum has been proposed to debate the future of New Zealand’s port scene by newly-elected Bay of Plenty regional councillor Doug Owens.

Mr Owens’ suggestion follows Minister of Transport Steven Joyce reconfirming market forces will be left to dictate the development of the sector.

In particular, Mr Owens believes other ports could learn from the ownership model adopted for the Port of Tauranga, whereby Quayside Holdings manages at arm’s length the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s 55% shareholding.