Marine industry seeks collaboration on Port's land

5 December, 2003

MARINE: MEDIA RELEASES 2003

Whangarei's marine industry has unveiled its concept for a redeveloped Port Whangarei, which has the potential to become an internationally-recognised centre for marine servicing and ship construction.

The opening of the new deepwater port at Marsden Point has freed up land and facilities at Port Whangarei, and owner Northland Port Corporation has called for expressions of interest on redevelopment options.

However, the Enterprise Northland Marine Development Group says Port Whangarei represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a dedicated marine precinct.

The group, which represents marine businesses and is facilitated by the economic development agencies Advance Whangarei Limited and Enterprise Northland, has made a submission to Northland Port Corporation on the future of Port Whangarei. It is also making presentations to the Whangarei District Council and Northland Regional Council.

Group chairman and Advance Whangarei director Rod Gates says while the group does not have the ability to own the assets at Port Whangarei, it is seeking a collaborative approach from Northland Port Corporation and the councils.

"We believe it is unique in New Zealand for a port to become available for redevelopment with all consents already in place,” said Mr Gates. “Research commissioned by the group indicates that if the infrastructure at Port Whangarei is retained and improved for the marine sector, the income and jobs generated by the sector could more than double in five years.”

The Whangarei marine industry has a current annual turnover of about $52 million and provides more than 400 full-time job equivalents.

Without improved facilities at Port Whangarei, Mr Gates said the industry would still achieve modest growth but would miss out on the fastest-growing segment of the market – larger leisure boats and superyachts.

He said the proposed marine precinct – a concept which works successfully overseas – would involve heavy-duty lifting gear, roads and hard standing, covered sheds and security. These facilities would allow new construction, maintenance and refits to take place at locations away from the water’s edge.

Mr Gates said the marine industry is not looking for handouts or subsidies but would use the facilities on a commercial basis. The infrastructure could be owned by Northland Port Corporation, by local authorities, by a private owner or company, or a joint-venture combination.

A concept plan for Stage 1 of the proposed marine precinct for Port Whangarei. Marine businesses would be located around a shared travel-lift, which would transport boats to and from the water.

For further information:
Rod Gates
Chairman
Enterprise Northland Marine Development Group
021-272 7089