Port of Auckland has begun building the Bledisloe North wharf, the first project in a nearly $200 million programme to make the port big-ship capable and bolster Auckland’s cruise industry.
A blessing ceremony on Friday marked the start of works, attended by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Transport Minister Chris Bishop. The consent was the first to be approved and commenced under the Government’s Fast-Track programme and covers two wharf projects — Bledisloe North and the completion of Fergusson North.
Port chief executive Roger Gray says the investment is about more than concrete and steel.
“Our investments here today go beyond infrastructure. They are about supporting growth and opportunity, and ensuring Auckland continues to thrive as an economic hub for trade, and tourism,” he says.
The new build is intended to handle larger cruise and container vessels and ease pressure on the downtown waterfront.
“One of the most exciting parts of this development is that this will make us big ship capable for cruise and containers, and support Auckland well into the future.”
Gray says the port will also create a new cruise terminal, developed with mana whenua and stakeholders.
“We’re also investing in the creation of Auckland’s newest cruise terminal. We’ll be co-designing it with iwi, customers, stakeholders, and the community to reflect the rich cultural, social, and economic diversity of our city.”
“Bledisloe North wharf is a win for Aucklanders too – it enables the port to work with Council to provide more access to the waterfront for Aucklanders and reduce the number of cruise ships needing to use the downtown ferry basin,” Gray says.
The projects align with Auckland Council’s Long-Term Plan and the port’s strategy to consolidate operations while retaining enough working area to handle critical trade.
HEB has been named construction partner for Bledisloe North, with works expected to take 14–16 months. Port of Auckland says it held more than 150 stakeholder engagement sessions before lodging the consent.
The Bledisloe North wharf and Fergusson North completion set the stage, the port says, “for a stronger, more resilient port, one that connects Auckland to the world and delivers for our city.”
