26 June 2015

Auckland’s booming economy – “needs vibrant and successful port”

The decision of Auckland Council and Ports of Auckland not to challenge the Court decision on the wharf extension has been welcomed by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce.

However, chief executive Michael Barnett said that organisations such as the Chamber acknowledge the need for a vibrant and successful port.

He noted that in the last financial year the Port had contributed a $66.6 million dividend payment to Auckland Council, making up a sum equivalent to 5 percent of the average rates bill.

The port also services goods that contribute around $12 billion to Auckland’s economy (GDP), of which about 80 per cent is generated by businesses located within 35 km of the port providing around 187,000 jobs.

“These are costs and benefits that ratepayers need to think about if our port wasn’t as successful,” he said.

“But right now we need to have a conversation where everyone is informed of the consequences of change and agree on how we can move forward in a way that satisfies business and the community.

“At the end of the day the platform off which we all live work and play needs to be good for business and the community,” concluded Mr Barnett.

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