New Zealand’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee has launched a formal inquiry into the nation’s ports and maritime sector, aiming to explore current challenges and unlock future opportunities in the sector.
The committee, chaired by NZ First MP Andy Foster, is calling for public submissions and plans to engage directly with key industry stakeholders.
“From the first explorers, Polynesian and European, the sea has always been vitally important to New Zealand. We are a trading nation. Our ports are critical to exports and imports alike,” Foster says.
“Having myself visited most of our ports already, I am very aware of the diversity of our ports. They are of widely differing scale.
“They have different functions in the national maritime system. They compete and they collaborate. They serve quite different regional economies, and have varying maritime focus, and both unique and shared opportunities and challenges.”
The inquiry will examine the current state of the ports and maritime sectors, focusing on infrastructure, connectivity, economic contribution, regional roles, and sector productivity.
It will also explore the links between ports and their surrounding land and maritime economies — including transport corridors and inland port infrastructure.
Foster says the inquiry supports broader government efforts to lift productivity and improve economic outcomes for New Zealanders.
“The committee is aware that the Government is very focused on lifting productivity and economic performance. That is essential to lifting every New Zealander’s standard of living,” he says.
“To this end, through this inquiry we will be seeking opportunities to help raise the performance of our ports and maritime sector and therefore help benefit our export producers and importers alike.”
The committee intends to hold meetings with industry participants, undertake site visits, and review public submissions as part of the inquiry process.
Public submissions are now open and will close on July 13. Individuals and organisations are encouraged to share their views on the sector’s current performance and future direction.
*Further information, including the terms of reference and submission guidelines, is available on the New Zealand Parliament website.
