Ports of Auckland Chief Critiques ‘No Zealand’ Attitude Amid Growth

Roger Gray, the Chief Executive of Ports of Auckland, expressed concern over what he described as New Zealand’s “no culture” during a recent address at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. He highlighted how this mentality is negatively impacting the cruise tourism sector and offered a stark prediction regarding the City Rail Link (CRL) project.

Gray noted that visits from large cruise ships have reached their lowest levels since their inception. He shared insights from discussions he had with major cruise lines in Miami, identifying a prevalent attitude of rejection in New Zealand as a significant factor. The cruise industry schedules its itineraries years in advance, and recent community protests against cruise ships visiting locations like Milford Sound, alongside rising fees and adherence to strict biofouling standards, have deterred these vessels.

“The government was anti-cruise… Jacinda [Ardern] called them petri dishes,” Gray stated, contrasting this with the new coalition government’s more customer-focused approach. He remarked on his positive relationship with Prime Minister Chris Luxon, whom he referred to as a former boss.

Port Growth Amid Challenges

Despite the challenges, Gray reported promising developments at the port. Last month’s container volume marked the highest in nine years, with coal driving much of this growth. He stated, “All of you driving electric cars, you’re driving on coal, so keep doing so.” Additionally, car imports are on the rise, with 8,000 to 10,000 vehicles being offloaded each week.

The financial contribution of the port to the city is noteworthy, amounting to over $90 million in the previous year. This includes a $52 million dividend and $45 million in profits from a share sale in Whangārei’s Northport. The ongoing $80 million wharves project also includes plans for a new cruise terminal, which aims to efficiently manage passenger flow.

Gray expressed skepticism about the potential impact of the City Rail Link project, labeling it “going to be a disaster.” He emphasized that while significant funding has been allocated, the project is unlikely to deliver the anticipated transformative benefits.

Community Concerns and Environmental Responsibility

During the event, audience members raised concerns regarding the proposed terminal, particularly regarding the loss of a rooftop garden developed in 2020. Gray acknowledged the change, stating, “It’s a solar array now,” and assured attendees that the new structure would not detract from the area’s visual appeal.

Environmental health of the harbour was another topic of discussion. Gray admitted the harbour has faced neglect over the years, stating, “It has been abused for a century. We’ve only been focused on health for three years.” He confirmed that the port contributes $100,000 annually to a trust for research, while also noting some improvements in fish populations at the wharf.

Gray maintained that the port does not control all environmental factors affecting the harbour, including pollution from council-operated outflow pipes. “I’m not going to be liable for what comes out of it,” he remarked, stressing the necessity of collaboration for the harbour’s health.

Acknowledging the port’s privileged position in the city, Gray committed to ongoing community engagement. He emphasized that now is a critical opportunity for investment, highlighting a potential $400 million through revenue and debt. The focus remains on fostering a positive relationship with the community while navigating the challenges ahead.