AUCKLAND: Ports of Auckland is standing firm on its decision to build two controversial wharf extensions, despite vocal public opposition.
A large flotilla of boats and hundreds of protesters turned out on the city’s harbour and waterfront yesterday in a show of opposition against the planned extensions to the end of the Bledisloe container wharf.
Ports of Auckland has consent to build the two 100-metre piled structures, and aims to begin construction next month.
The extra wharf space was needed as the port got busier and ships got bigger, spokesman Matt Ball said.
“These berth extensions are not a nice to have, they’re essential,” he said.
Cement ships that currently berthed at Onehunga on the Manukau Harbour would start coming into the Waitemata Harbour because the Manukau was smaller and more dangerous and the ships were larger now, he said.
Trade from the Pacific Islands had also increased dramatically as bigger cargo ships hubbed in Auckland rather than going directly to the islands.
Without the Bledisloe extensions the port would have to start turning ships away from the end of next year, including cruise ships such as the Queen Mary which are so large they have to berth at the Jellicoe container terminal, Ball said.
“The extensions are the best possible compromise,” he said. “They will see us through the immediate need to accommodate bigger ships. The debate on reclamation can go on in meantime.”
It was not hard to remove a piled structure if it was decided further down the track that this was not what Auckland wanted, he said.
Mayor Len Brown has promised to launch a working party involving people on all sides of the debate to review the economic, social and environmental costs and benefits of the port.
Stop Stealing Our Harbour organiser Michael Goldwater said the protest group was planning more action.
The group had deep pockets in terms of its “unerring commitment”, he said.
The council owned the port, but “it’s the ports that seem to have the upper hand. Literally the tail is wagging the dog,” Goldwater said.
“We have these extensions before this committed long term strategy.”
Ports of Auckland would be adamant the extensions should go ahead and block views towards the harbour entrance from the public waterfront areas.
“If they block views of the outer harbour then it’s very hard for people to be aware of what they’re doing in that port precinct,” he said.
