Ports strategy announced by NZs labour

While Labour is still to formalise its full transport policy ahead of this September’s elections, it has recently provided a general overview.

“The current, fragmented system has seen over-capitalisation in some ports while others haven’t had the investment that they need,” it stated.

“Ports are being played off against each other by shipping lines forcing them to lower prices, leading to cuts in workers’ wages and conditions.”
Furthermore, the party confirmed it would seek to promote coastal shipping.

“Labour will also implement the Sea Change plan to boost coastal shipping. Coastal shipping is cheaper and more sustainable than road freight. By reducing truck journeys, it reduces wear on the roads and congestion.”

However, Prime Minister John Key counters that there has been an abundance of port reviews in the past decade and points to the Port of Tauranga as an example of a port succeeding in the current environment.

“Tauranga [is] the highest performing port in the country and is doing extremely well,” he says.

“And ultimately Tauranga is proving it can succeed with a good model and good people running it.”

In regards to coastal shipping, Mr Key expressed support for the mode but is promoting an intermodal approach to transport policy that incorporates rail, road and shipping.