Putting a Freeze on Auckland Port Expansion

New Zealand First is taking action to stop any further commercial expansion of Auckland’s port.

“With massive opposition in Auckland we have moved quickly with a Bill to freeze the size of the port and push any future growth to other ports,” says New Zealand First Leader and Member for Northland Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“The Waitemata Harbour Protection Bill, if passed into law, will end the controversial wharf extension plans of the Ports of Auckland and ensure environmental and recreational protection for the harbour. In doing so we will be saving a recreational gem for Aucklanders.

“The port company is ignoring voices of reason and opposition and acting like some sort of warlord, ploughing ahead with its project.

“Aucklanders don’t want the cost and they want to save their harbour.

“We have already proposed Whangarei’s Northport, a natural harbour that does not require dredging like Auckland, as a viable alternative.

“Northport could become a leading port. New Zealand First wants investment in the rail link and sees the development cost as necessary to build a future asset.

“Any sensible transport plan for New Zealand would place Northport’s development at the very top of priorities,” says Mr Peters.

New Zealand First’s Bill has been lodged in the members’ bill ballot.

ENDS

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