Big ambitions for Northland’s port
Northport must commit to being among the world’s cleanest, lowest-carbon and most sustainable ports as it takes over functions from Auckland over the years ahead according to the region’s mayors.
John Carter (Far North), Sheryl Mai (Whanga¯rei) and Jason Smith (Kaipara) said the response in Northland, Auckland and around the country to Kia Kaha Northland, a campaign aimed at encouraging support from Northlanders for five major projects that would connect the region to Auckland and the world, and transform the regional and national economies, had been “extraordinarily positive,” across the political spectrum.
“We have had support from Ma¯ori and Pa¯keha¯, from farmers and city-dwellers, from chambers of commerce and community volunteers, and from Northlanders from southern Kaipara to Cape Reinga,” they said.
“More than 117,000 people had engaged with our content on Facebook (within the campaign’s first week), more than 25,000 have watched our first video all the way through, and more than 3000 are now formally backing Kia Kaha Northland by liking our page.
“The message is overwhelmingly that central government needs to get on and make the Big Five happen, for the benefit not just of Northland, but of Auckland and all of New Zealand.”
The Big Five projects are:
● A $240 million dry dock to enable ships from New Zealand and Australia to be serviced and repaired in Whanga¯rei rather than Asia.
● A new base for the Royal New Zealand Navy in place of Devonport.
● Expansion of Northport to take the cars and containers currently entering the country in the Auckland, and for exports from Northland and elsewhere.
● The completion of a four-lane expressway from Whanga¯rei to Auckland, including the planned four-lane highway to Port Marsden.
● Fast-tracking a double-tracked rail line from West Auckland to Whanga¯rei, including the planned spur to Port Marsden.
“The most common feedback from Northlanders so far is ‘Yes, make the Big Five happen, but make sure you protect our environment, cultural heritage and unique Northland way of life’,” the mayors said.
“We agree 100 per cent. None of the Big Five will be allowed to happen willy
Northland’s mayors say they are “humbled” by the support shown for their Kia Kaha Northland campaign, and the ‘Big Five’ projects, by the Te Tai Tokerau District Ma¯ ori Council.
“The council is 100 per cent right that we must achieve best practice for environmental impact, economic development and people empowerment,” they said in a joint statement.
“We hope there are also ways for Ma¯ ori to invest in and be partners in
nilly. They will be carefully regulated by the Northland Regional Council, the Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust Board and iwi, and every Northlander who loves our region.
“As Northland’s mayors, we will be the first to board the protest vessels or go to the barricades if there is any serious risk to our marine or land environments, cultural values or unique Northland way of life.
“Northlanders can be assured that the four-lane highway and double-tracked rail line must be suitable for electric and hydrogen vehicles, and that Northport will be New Zealand’s most modern port, among the world’s cleanest, greenest, lowest-carbon and most sustainable.
“There will be no port expansion northwards into Whanga¯rei Harbour, but some or all of the projects. We look forward to working with the new TTDMC working group to make all this happen. Mayors and iwi leaders of the North standing strong together will ensure the Big Five projects reach all their combined potential, while protecting our environment and Northland way of life.”
Northland Federated Farmers has also welcomed the opportunity to develop Northport and its associated infrastructure.
only east and west.”
The first-week response to Kia Kaha Northland had exceeded forecasts, but there was a long way to go, they added.
“Bluntly, outside the excitement of Waitangi week, the Wellington bureaucracy ignores Northland, and no politician of any party colour will ultimately press go on the Big Five unless Northlanders say loud and clear that we want them,” they said.
“We need all Northlanders to support Kia Kaha Northland by liking it or following it on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or by emailing, calling or writing to the Prime Minister, the deputy Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and our local electorate and list MPs. We need to make 2020 Northland’s year.”