A new mega-port development at Northport, combining the current port operation with a relocation of the Ports of Auckland (PoAL), may be a key recommendation of a strategic review being undertaken of the upper North Island supply chain.
A Government-appointed working group has recently issued a scene-setting report on its review of the freight system in the area to date, ahead of issuing an evaluation of options and then recommendations.
That report noted that alongside the Port of Tauranga, the three ports handle about half of New Zealand’s total export volume and two-thirds of the country’s imports, with the Port of Tauranga’s capitalisation of public infrastructure particularly observed to have been a “success”.
“We will therefore be considering whether similar investment in Northland would provide similar results for the region and Northport,” stated the report.
Multiple issues
Traffic congestion and land constraints were among other issues noted to be facing PoAL and the Port of Tauranga.
There is also growing community unrest with PoAL’s industrial utilisation of what some consider should be a prime waterfront land holding.
In contrast, Northport was noted to be located within industrial-zoned land, away from residential areas and with additional space for expansion.
However, the interim report did also state that there was “no point” undertaking further investment in Northport without investment in, and development of, a train line to Auckland.
The working group is to deliver its final report to Cabinet in September this year, which will include conclusions and recommended actions to be taken over the next five years and beyond.
