Is an underwater tunnel the solution to Ports of Auckland’s future?
Auckland businessman Max Whitehead of the Whitehead Group thinks so and says it’s a better option than moving operations to Whangarei’s Northport
Whitehead, who once provided employment-relations services to Ports of Auckland, proposes that an underwater tunnel be built in the Hauraki Gulf between Motutapu and Rangitoto Islands.
There would be two lanes for motor vehicles and one track for trains with an estimated cost of $4.1 billion – much cheaper than the $12bn proposed to transfer from Auckland to Whangarei.
“The concept isn’t mine … international ports consultant Raoul Borley, a friend of mine, developed the idea based on what is happening overseas — a similar project is currently under construction in Norway,” Whitehead says.
Apart from cost savings it will also remove the port out of the harbour and away from public view, free up Auckland’s inner-city and North Shore motorways, reduce freight travel times, reduce pollution and there will be no disruption to employees, he says.
“Regardless of whether or not the concept happens, there’s no doubt that Auckland’s infrastructure will shape its future.
“To move the Ports of Auckland would create massive disruption within our city, and I urge Auckland residents to explore all options before accepting the working group’s recommendation to shift to Whangarei or elsewhere,” Whitehead says.
