10 May 2011

Investors eye new South Island port

6:02 am on 10 May 2011

Some private investors have indicated interest in being involved in building a new South Island port.

The Government announced on Monday a fresh evaluation of the viability of building a new sea terminal at Clifford Bay, south of Blenheim, and said it would be a prime candidate for a public private partnership (PPP).

Privately-owned infrastructure manager Morrison & Co, which owns Infratil, says it would be very keen to put in a bid if the sea terminal goes ahead as a public private partnership.

The firm says it has established a fund for investment in PPPs and would like to make an investment in New Zealand.

Ngai Tahu says it would also consider investing in a terminal at Clifford Bay.

The Ministry of Transport's study on the viability of a new terminal is expected to take two months.