The big question is, should all or part of Ports of Auckland's current operations go elsewhere, either to existing upper North Island ports, or to a brand new port? READ MORE:* Wayne Brown rejects Phil Goff's fears on moving Auckland's port* Auckland Council digs in over a possible port move* Winston Peters promises shift of Auckland port to Northland* Thames or Manukau, Auckland port move will cost billionsA more substantial "final" report from the group is expected in September, a month before local body elections. Those who were at an early meeting involving Brown and Auckland mayor Phil Goff, described the tone as "interesting", and the pair clashed publicly even before that meeting. The mayor has quickly filed away a report he commissioned in 2017, hoped to show the economic argument for shifting the vehicle trade out of Auckland. Ports of Auckland is working to ensure it can do its job for another 30-40 years within its existing footprint, and even then no one knows what new technology, or trade patterns might extend that.

Source: Stuff March 31, 2019 17:26 UTC