An independent report commissioned by Northland Inc highlights the socioeconomic potential of the proposed Northport expansion for the Taitokerau Northland region.

Undertaken by Polis Consulting Group, the report investigates Northport’s Vision for Growth, which seeks to expand the container port to the East and the addition of a shipyard and floating drydock to the West of the current site.

Report findings estimate that approximately 1,500 new jobs could be created by 2060 through the expansion of Northport, along with an additional estimated 1,135 new jobs through a shipyard and drydock development.

Vaughan Cooper, Acting CEO of Northland Inc says the report findings create a strong economic case for the expansion.

“The report clearly highlights the potential economic benefits of the Northport expansion for the Northland region. Job creation of this scale will have ripple effects across our communities, while also providing facilities to increase exports and service vessels from outside of the region – both of which will have positive impacts on the region’s economy.”

The proposed development of a new shipyard would encompass a 250m floating dry dock, associated berthage extensions, and industrial activities. This development along with associated marine clusters at Marsden Point and Port Nikau could provide needed facilities for Naval training and servicing.

“The marine manufacturing sector is well established and has the potential to become increasingly important to the regional economy, especially following the closure of the Marsden Point Oil Refinery.

The Northport expansion provides the opportunity to bolster the sector not only through job creation and sector development, but also additional infrastructure which adds to the region’s economic resilience for the future” says Cooper.

The potential economic benefits of the expansion identified in the report are contingent on supporting infrastructure being completed, several of which rely on central government decisions. A rail spur to Northport and better roading connectivity to Auckland, as well as patient capital for the shipyard are outlined as influencing factors, as are the development of a marine skills cluster and full consultation around Te Tiriti o Waitangi conditions.

Says Cooper:

“The report was commissioned to ensure our Taitokerau Northland communities were fully informed of the economic outlook of the Northport expansion. We look forward to the scoping of the project progressing and continuing to advocate for initiatives which promote positive economic outcomes for the region.”

The full Polis Consulting Group Socioeconomic Impacts of Northport Expansion on Te Tai Tokerau/Northland Report is available on the Northland Inc website – www.northlandnz.com/northportreport

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