Construction Begins on Bledisloe North Wharf in Auckland

Work has officially commenced on the Bledisloe North Wharf project in Auckland, marking the first initiative to be fast-tracked under the Government’s new infrastructure program. The project is part of a broader infrastructure upgrade valued at approximately $200 million for the Port of Auckland. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop, and executives from the Port of Auckland participated in a blessing ceremony led by local iwi on Friday morning to launch the construction.

The Bledisloe North Wharf project will feature a new reinforced concrete-piled wharf at the Bledisloe Terminal. It involves the extension of the Fergusson North Wharf and the establishment of a new cruise passenger terminal among various other upgrades. This multi-cargo wharf is designed to handle roll-on/roll-off operations and accommodate cruise ships exceeding 300 metres in length. This strategic enhancement will allow the Princess Wharf to cater solely to smaller vessels.

The extension at Fergusson will facilitate better access for cranes along the length of the berth, enabling more efficient operations. According to the Port of Auckland, these developments are crucial for enhancing the port’s capacity to support the cruise tourism industry, making it more resilient and better connected to international markets.

Roger Gray, Chief Executive of Port of Auckland, emphasized the significance of this project for both trade and tourism. “One of the most exciting parts of this development is that it will make us big ship capable for cruise and containers, ensuring Auckland can continue to thrive as an economic hub,” Gray stated during the ceremony. He further noted that the new cruise terminal will be co-designed with iwi, stakeholders, and community members to reflect Auckland’s rich cultural and economic diversity.

In addition to boosting the port’s operational capacity, Bledisloe North Wharf is also expected to enhance waterfront access for Auckland residents. This aligns with the Auckland Council’s long-term plan to improve community engagement with the waterfront while reducing the number of cruise ships using the downtown ferry basin.

The construction of Bledisloe North Wharf is anticipated to take between 14 and 16 months to complete. This project supports both the Auckland Council’s long-term objectives and the Port of Auckland’s strategic vision to consolidate port operations effectively.

The Government’s Fast Track programme, initiated in March 2024, aims to streamline the approval process for large and complex infrastructure projects, including housing and development. Since the enactment of the Fast-Track Approvals Act, 149 projects have been eligible for consideration by expert panels. The panel approved the Port of Auckland works within just 66 working days, highlighting the efficiency of the new process. Currently, an additional 10 projects are under review, encompassing residential, retirement developments, and a mining extension in Waihi.

This significant investment in Auckland’s infrastructure is poised to bolster the region’s economic growth while enhancing its capacity for trade and tourism.