POT lodges another Fast-track application

Port of Tauranga lodges another Fast-track application for Stella Passage development Port of Tauranga (NZX:POT) today announced it has lodged another application under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 for its proposed development of Stella Passage in Te Awanui Tauranga Harbour. The reapplication follows the passing of the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Act in December, which corrected a legislative drafting error in the Schedule 2 description of the project. The project involves extending the Sulphur Point container berth by 385 metres (in two stages) and the Mount Maunganui wharves by 315 metres, by converting existing cargo storage land within the port’s current footprint. It also involves associated reclamation of land behind the new wharves and dredging. At Port of Tauranga’s request, the Minister for Infrastructure has determined the application meets the criteria as a priority project under the Fast-track Approvals Act, ensuring that an expert panel will quickly be convened to consider the application. The project is of regional and national significance. The Port’s initial fast-track application was put on hold in late August by the High Court following a judicial review. Port of Tauranga has updated its application documentation following the amendments to the Fast-track Approvals Act and recent consultation with tangata whenua parties. The Environment Court has already established that the environmental impact from the Stella Passage development will, from a Western science perspective, be minor in the short-term and negligible in the long-term. However, Port of Tauranga has been unable to reach agreement with opposing iwi and hapū parties on the appropriate level of mitigation for the cultural impacts of the development. For more information, please contact: Rochelle Lockley GM Communications 021 865 884 Email rochelle.lockley@port-tauranga.co.nz