5 Apr 2013

Lobby group opposes latest port plans

8:31 pm on 5 April 2013

An Auckland CBD lobby group, Heart of the city, is opposing the latest Ports of Auckland expansion plans, saying the port company should not be allowed to go ahead with even a reduced reclamation plan.

Ports of Auckland's new 30-year development plan has cut by two-thirds the area of harbour it wants to reclaim. It also suggests returning one wharf to public use.

The Heart of the City group last year campaigned against the port's larger reclamation plan and chief executive Alex Swney says there is no rush for the council to agree to the latest version.

He says before any decision is made the port company should sort out its labour practices and ensure it is optimising its existing footprint.

"It's very, very lazy corporate practice just to go and ask for huge land grabs particularly out in to the sparkling Waitemata."

Mr Swney is also calling for an independent review of the port's future.

The development plan will be considered by the council in mid-April.