Moves to shift Auckland's port from the CBD to Northland have ground to a halt on the back of a new report before Cabinet that suggests Manukau Harbour is a better option. Wayne Brown, the man who led the original government study that looked into the port move, said consultants behind the latest report should give taxpayers their $2 million back if moving Auckland's port to Manukau Harbour was what they had recommended. An investigation into moving Auckland's port to Northland was part of the coalition agreement between Labour and NZ First. Getty-Images The new report's conclusions makes moving Auckland's port an election issue with Jones set to contest the Northland seat in what could be a crucial electorate contest for NZ First. Brown said UNSCIS had dismissed Manukau Harbour right at the start based on safety concerns after it received a warning from the insurance industry that it would not insure ships that docked at Manukau Harbour.

Source: Stuff July 06, 2020 19:08 UTC