WASHINGTON: The Ports of Auckland has confirmed its management met with Auckland Mayor Phil Goff yesterday to discuss the future of the port, including possible relocation and splitting the port land from the operating company. Confirmation of the meeting comes as reports emerged that Goff was considering selling the port – although he has refused to provide any details including whether he was considering selling the Ports of Auckland business or the land as well.
A spokesman for the port said the meeting included discussion of what would happen after a study on the future of the port was concluded, options for interim development of the port and considerations for the relocation of the port. “We also discussed work that was started under the previous council to evaluate the potential to split the port land from the operating company. This is the first time these matters have been discussed with the current Mayor.” Earlier opponents of any more reclamation of Waitemata Harbour said that a sale of Ports of Auckland should be used to relocate the operation within 15 years. Stop Stealing Our Harbour was responding to revelations that high-level discussions are under way over the future of the ports company as Goff wrestles with how to fund the city’s ballooning infrastructure costs. Goff is refusing to be drawn on whether he plans to sell the council’s ownership stake, saying only he wants to address the port’s long-term future this term.
