Chinese money could fund port
The North Island’s three biggest ports should stop ’’playing-off each other’’ and grow together taking Chinese money, a prominent Auckland commentator said.
Ex-Waita¯kere City Mayor and Auckland Waterfront chairman Sir Bob Harvey said he supported Ports of Auckland’s 30 year plan, unveiled on Thursday, but also wants Whangarei’s Northport to achieve ‘‘super port’’ status.
Auckland, Tauranga and Northport need to work together and could become New Zealand’s portals to China’s ‘‘maritime Silk Rd’’ trade routes part of the superpower’s ambitious ‘One Belt, One Road’ global trade network, Harvey said.
Chinese money could fund Northport’s multi-billion upgrade, Harvey, the chairman of the One Belt One Road Promotional Council said.
NZ First, as part of its coalition deal, won a $500 million Northland rail upgrade and a feasibility study of an Auckland to Whangarei port shift. However shifting the port north would cost billions while Auckland Council would lose approximately $50m per year in port profit dividends.
But Ports of Auckland, and therefore Auckland ratepayers, could control or have a stake in an upgraded Northport generating profits for Auckland, Harvey said.
Presently, the trio of ports are ‘‘being played-off against each other’’.
‘‘I think it’s time for them to start working together,’’ Harvey said.
In recent years Ports of Auckland has met fierce opposition for expansion into Waitemata¯ Harbour. The public backlash hastened efforts to find an alternative port site including nearby Manukau Harbour and further afield The Firth of Thames.
On Thursday, the port unveiled its draft plan to manage the transition to a new site. But it includes staying in Auckland for up to 30 years, albeit with changes, some of which are designed to allow more public access including rooftop parks.
The draft plan includes a 13m piled extension at the end of Bledisloe Wharf.
Harvey supports the plans because he believes Auckland’s waterfront should keep a working port in some form. ‘‘I think [Auckland’s waterfront] port can be reduced and it can be done in participation with development.’’