Northport Group Limited has obtained resource consents for its planned expansion at Marsden Point, with the Environment Court approving updated conditions for nearly 12 hectares of reclamation and a 250-metre wharf extension with associated capital dredging.
The consents run for 35 years and carry a 20-year lapse period, giving Northport flexibility to stage the project in line with freight demand. The decision concludes more than a decade of design, consultation and negotiation and enables the port to pursue a dedicated container handling, storage and logistics facility to support growth and supply-chain resilience in Northland and the Upper North Island.
Port of Tauranga Limited — which owns 50% of Northport Group — welcomed the ruling.
Port of Tauranga chief executive Leonard Sampson says it will allow Northport to play a bigger role in an enhanced Upper North Island supply chain.
“This consent decision, in conjunction with our recent acquisition of Marsden Maritime Holdings, provides an excellent platform for future growth of the Northport Group and significant economic benefits for the Northland economy,” Sampson says.
“Congratulations to the Northport team, who have worked diligently over the past ten years to get to this point.”
Northport chief executive Jon Moore says next steps depend on the business case.
“Timing will be a matter for Northport Group Limited’s board to consider once the business case stacks up,” Moore says.
“The court’s ruling allows us to plan for the future with a greater degree of certainty than we’ve had until now, and to focus on driving the business to the point at which we can take a firm proposal to the board.”
Northport pursued the Resource Management Act consenting pathway throughout and emphasised community engagement.
“We committed at the outset to engage fully with all groups with an interest in this project and, wherever possible, to adapt our plans to accommodate any concerns,” Moore says.
“It’s a source of great pride to the company and the highly professional team who worked on this project that we were able to honour this commitment, ultimately securing the understanding and support of the parties.
“We are grateful to Justice Smith and the Environment Court for giving us the time and guidance we all needed in order to reach this point.”
Moore says the ruling reflected strong local backing, with two-thirds of 228 submissions in favour of expansion.
“It’s unusual for a project like this to garner so much positive support. Our thanks go to everyone who took the time and trouble to make their voices heard.”
Northport Group Limited — which includes Northport and the former Marsden Maritime Holdings — includes other shareholders Northland Regional Council (43%) and Tupu Tonu (7%).
The timing of construction will be guided by freight demand and, separately, progress on the rail connection to Marsden Point being advanced by the Government and KiwiRail.
Moore, who announced in August he will retire in June next year after 19 years in the role, says the consent was a fitting capstone to a 50-year maritime and port operations career.
