A Smarter Port Relocation
In November 2019, a working group, commissioned by Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones, recommended closing down most of Ports of Auckland’s operations and setting up at Whangarei’s Northport. North Shore businessman Max Whitehead believes there is a better option. To follow and attached is a press release from Mr Whitehead.
Mr Whitehead, who once
provided employment-relations services to Port of Auckland,
proposes that an underwater tunnel be built in the Hauraki
Gulf between Motutapu and Rangitoto Islands. There would be
two lanes for motor vehicles and one track for
trains.
"The concept isn't mine," says Mr
Whitehead. "Instead, International Ports Consultant Raoul
Borley, a friend of mine, developed the idea based on what
is happening overseas — a similar project is currently
under construction in Norway.
Mr Whitehead and Mr
Borley estimate that the project would cost about $4.1
billion, considerably less than the $12 billion it would
cost to transfer from Auckland to Whangarei.
He
also says that apart from considerable cost savings, other
benefits include:
- remove the Ports out of the harbour and away from Public view
- a freeing up Auckland’s inner-city and North Shore motorways to ease traffic congestion
- a significant reduction in time taken to transport goods from the Port to Auckland industrial zones
- reduced pollution
- no need to uproot port employees to maintain their careers.
Mr Whitehead says that he sees immense promise in the concept. However, both he and Borley recognise the need for open discussion to garner the acknowledgement and funding they believe the project deserves for a full feasibility study.
“Regardless of whether or not the concept
happens, there's no doubt that Auckland's infrastructure
will shape its future. To move the Ports of Auckland would
create massive disruption within our city, and I urge
Auckland residents to explore all options before accepting
the Working Group’s recommendation to shift to Whangarei
or
elsewhere.