The Stella Passage Development enabling a major expansion project at the Port of Tauranga has been granted fast-track approval.
Port of Tauranga Limited lodged its application in January, with approval taking around five months from the appointment of an independent expert panel.
Infrastructure Minister, Chris Bishop said the redevelopment of the Sulphur Point and Mount Maunganui wharves at the Port will enable each wharf to be extended by more than 300 metres, allow the installation of new container cranes on the Sulphur Point Wharf, and include the dredging of Stella Passage in Tauranga Harbour to provide sufficient clearance for vessels to berth at the extended wharves.
“The project has a lengthy history under the RMA, spending roughly seven years navigating standard RMA processes and Environment Court hearings. In 2021, the project applied for Fast-track through the COVID-19 fast-track system and was declined referral,” Mr Bishop says.
“Fast-track meant this project received all the necessary approvals in around five months from the appointment of an expert panel.
“The Port of Tauranga is New Zealand’s largest port by volume, handling roughly a third of all cargo in New Zealand. Current activities at the wharves are constrained by limited container capacity, vessel congestion and the age of the existing infrastructure.
“The Stella Passage Development will address these constraints by enabling larger ships and almost doubling the handling capacity at the Port. This will improve the movement of imports and exports and deliver significant economic and other benefits for the region and New Zealand.”
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones said the development will ensure exporters can continue to reach global markets efficiently and competitively.
“It is exactly the type of project Fast-track was designed to enable infrastructure that delivers enduring economic value, supports regional development, and keeps New Zealand open for business,” Mr Jones says.
More information about the project: Stella Passage Development.
