Some Auckland business are backing plans for a cruise ship terminal on Queen's Wharf but are warning that keeping it there longer could be a blight on the waterfront.
The wharf is being redeveloped as party central for the Rugby World Cup and the Auckland Mayor has decided it will also be the home for a cruise ship terminal.
Cruise ships are expected to bring in more than $70 million to the Auckland economy next season alone, and exactly where on the waterfront to put a new base has been hugely contentious.
Mayor Len Brown says the debate has gone on too long, and he's decided the terminal will be on Queens Wharf.
Mr Brown says the number of cruise ships coming into the city will double over the next two years and the city is struggling to deal with the logistics of that.
He says the cruise hub is likely to be on that site for 10 to 15 years while a longer term solution is considered.
Alex Swney from business group Heart of the City says the city needs to do all it can for the cruise industry - but having the terminal on Queens Wharf for up to 15 years would be too long.
Mr Swney says Aucklanders simply will not put up with having access to the centre of the waterfront cut off for so long.
The refurbishment of Shed 10 on Queens Wharf for use during the Rugby World Cup and then for the terminal is likely to cost just over $5 million - but a final cost for the cruise base won't be known until a detailed proposal is developed.
