The Ports of Auckland chief executive says he's accepted a big move is likely, but it's not going to stop well-overdue progress in the meantime.
Yesterday a master plan was released detailing infrastructure investments for the next 30 years, despite political talk that the entire operation may be moved to either Northport of the Firth of Thames.
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Chief executive Tony Gibson says a move is at least 20 years away - and they can't wait that long.
"We have no issue about moving and the Auckland Council is undertaking a study about what those options are.
"But in the meantime, we've got 600,000 tonnes of cement coming over the general cargo wharves, car volumes have tripled and Pacific Island trade has gone up 24 percent.
"We're at a stage where there have been no infrastructure developments since 1983 on those wharves. We need to actually move fast and start planning for the future."
The plans include a container terminal expansion, new terminal buildings and an automated rail operation to move freight.
The plans also include a five-storey parking building, which will house the much-despised rows of cars blocking the Waitemata Harbour view.
The carpark could be connected to a new hotel on Quay St, with a grass rooftop viewing platform.
Mr Gibson says it's what the city wants.
"We've probably not listened enough over the past years... we have to work very quickly to win the support of Aucklanders to build that car storage facility."
Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Michael Barnett says the investments will help provide a smooth transition.
"Auckland is growing, imports and exports are growing, we're going to have to accommodate that growth."
Mr Barnett says the move is about beginning that transition.
"The big issue is that there's going to be a consenting time, a planning time - they're going to be considerable. This allows time for that to happen and allows the port to remain in operation."
He believes the move will be to the Firth of Thames, not Northport.
Another one million people are expected to move to Auckland within the next 30 years.
Newshub.
