5 Jun 2015

Council: Need for independence in port study

4:23 pm on 5 June 2015

A consultant has been named to lead a $1 million 12-month study on the future of the Ports of Auckland.

The two sides of the Bledisloe Terminal (foreground) will be built 98 metres further into the harbour, with the port later hoping to reclaim the space between them.

Photo: SUPPLIED / Ports of Auckland

Dr Rick Boven - whose background spans social science research, business consulting and environment management - will chair the Consensus Working Group for the Port Future Study.

Auckland Council announced the study after public outrage over the port company's plan to extend Bledisloe Wharf further into Waitemata Harbour.

Mayor Len Brown said Dr Boven was chosen for his independence and skills to bring together a diverse group of 50 people from the city to work on the study.

"We really needed independence in this leadership role and I think that the person we have chosen will be appropriate for our purposes."

Mr Brown said the study was one of the most important reports to be done on Auckland in decades.

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