Transport And Infrastructure Committee Opens Inquiry Into Ports And The Maritime Sector

Parliament’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee has formally launched an inquiry into the nation’s ports and the maritime sector. The committee is acutely aware that, as an island nation with a trade-dependent economy, efficient and competitive ports and marine industries are essential to sustaining economic growth and prosperity.

Andy Foster, chair of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee said: “From the first explorers, Polynesian and European, the sea has always been vitally important to New Zealand. We are a trading nation. Our ports are critical to exports and imports alike. Having myself visited most of our ports already, I am very aware of the diversity of our ports. They are of widely differing scale. They have different functions in the national maritime system. They compete and they collaborate. They serve quite different regional economies, and have varying maritime focus, and both unique and shared opportunities and challenges.”

“The committee is aware that the Government is very focused on lifting productivity and economic performance. That is essential to lifting every New Zealanders standard of living. To this end, through this inquiry we will be seeking opportunities to help raise the performance of our ports and maritime sector and therefore help benefit our export producers and importers alike.”

The committee has established this Inquiry to examine the current state of play, challenges, and future opportunities within the ports and maritime sectors. This includes key connections to the ports’ respective land and maritime hinterland economies, their transport connections and inland ports.

The committee intends to meet with key players and interested parties across the sector and to undertake site visits as appropriate to further its understanding.

Public submissions are also being called from interested individuals and organisations. Public submissions will be open for six weeks and will close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 13 July 2025.

The committee’s intention is to follow up on submissions where these will add to our understanding of the sector.

For more information on the committee’s plans for this inquiry please refer to the terms of reference.

Tell the Transport and Infrastructure Committee what you think

Make a submission on the inquiry by 11.59pm on Sunday, 13 July 2025.

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