The future of vehicle imports being delivered at Ports of Auckland has been called into question again with a new waterfront stadium on the cards.
The Auckland Waterfront Consortium, which is proposing the venture, would build residential and commercial buildings next to the stadium and on the current Eden Park site to fund the project.
That would mean it could be funded “at no cost to ratepayers or taxpayers,” consortium chair Dave Wigmore says.
However the Ports of Auckland has confirmed to AutoTalk that the proposed stadium site would “require the relocation of the entire Ports of Auckland Ro-Ro operation”.
Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association chief executive David Vinsen says the proposal raises plenty of questions.
“At some stage, some proposal is going to get traction and be put into effect. It’s a long game. This stadium proposal initially looks attractive for a variety of reasons.”
But there are plenty of roadblocks in the way, including political will and consenting issues, Vinsen says.
“It would a be a huge exercise. I’m going to be watching it with interest, but not holding my breath.
“To move the port would take 20 to 25 years to get the consents and then you’ve got to find the money.
“What are they going to do with the port – who’s going to fund that?
“If it’s just the cars, then what are they going to do with them?”
Port spokesman Matt Ball says the use of port land for a stadium and residential development is a matter for its owner, Auckland Council.
“Currently Ports of Auckland is focused on supporting Auckland’s rapid growth by delivering our 30-year master plan, which was endorsed by council earlier this year.”
Auckland mayor Phil Goff told Stuff his staff have met with the consortium on two occasions, but it’s not one of his top priorities.
“Stadiums cannot be a priority ahead of our more pressing needs in transport, housing and environment.”
