Port of Tauranga has secured fast-track approval for its Stella Passage development, paving the way for a major expansion of its container and general cargo facilities.
The project has been approved under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024, subject to conditions and appeal rights.
It will extend the Sulphur Point container berth by 385 metres in two stages and the Mount Maunganui wharves by 315 metres, using existing cargo storage land within the port’s current footprint.
The development also includes reclamation behind the new wharves and dredging of Stella Passage to provide sufficient clearance for vessels using the expanded facilities.
Port of Tauranga chief financial officer Simon Kebbell says the approval is an important milestone for the project.
“The Stella Passage development is vital strategic infrastructure to support future freight growth for New Zealand.
“It will improve the resilience and efficiency of the international supply chain and lower costs for importers and exporters.
“The development is urgently needed so it is a great relief to reach this important milestone,” Kebbell says.
Infrastructure minister Chris Bishop says the project is the 34th to be approved through the fast-track process.
Port of Tauranga lodged its application in January 2026, with approval taking around five months from the appointment of an independent expert panel.
“The project has a lengthy history under the RMA, spending roughly seven years navigating standard RMA processes and Environment Court hearings.
“In 2021, the project applied for fast-track through the COVID-19 fast-track system and was declined referral,” Bishop says.
“Fast-track meant this project received all the necessary approvals in around five months from the appointment of an expert panel.
“The Port of Tauranga is New Zealand’s largest port by volume, handling roughly a third of all cargo in New Zealand. Current activities at the wharves are constrained by limited container capacity, vessel congestion and the age of the existing infrastructure.
“The Stella Passage development will address these constraints by enabling larger ships and almost doubling the handling capacity at the port. This will improve the movement of imports and exports and deliver significant economic and other benefits for the region and New Zealand,” Bishop adds.
The expansion will also enable the installation of new container cranes at Sulphur Point.
Regional development minister Shane Jones says the project will strengthen New Zealand’s links with international markets.
“This development will ensure our exporters can continue to reach global markets efficiently and competitively.
“It is exactly the type of project fast-track was designed to enable — infrastructure that delivers enduring economic value, supports regional development, and keeps New Zealand open for business,” Jones says.
