6 September 2019

Northport Ltd welcomes today’s announcement by the Minister of Regional Economic Development, Shane Jones, about government’s intention to invest $94.8 million through the Provincial Growth Fund for upgrading the rail line between Swanson and Whangarei.

Northport Ltd is of the view that efficient transport links are vital for the entire region to realise its full economic potential and will support any development that seeks to achieve this.

“This is a red-letter day for Northland and an important step towards an integrated transport strategy that will enable the region to maximise its full potential,” said Northport chief executive Jon Moore.

“We continue to work with the Upper North Island Supply Chain Strategy Working Group, KiwiRail, NZTA, coastal shipping operators, existing and potential customers, and other stakeholders such as local government, to explore the full potential for a spur line to Marsden Point. And to assess how this might complement the vision we have of how Northport might grow in the future (www.vision4growth.co.nz).”

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About Northport

Northport, situated at Marsden Point at the mouth of Whangarei Harbour, is New Zealand’s northernmost deep-water port. It is a flexible facility catering for large, multi-purpose vessels and full cargo handling facilities are available from its 570 metre linear berth.

Logs, woodchip and processed timber for export comprise the bulk of cargo processed by the port. Recent investment in container handling equipment has seen an uptake in coastal and international container trade. Other export items include kiwifruit, dairy products and manufactured goods. Imports are an important part of Northport’s business and include fertiliser, gypsum, coal and palm kernel.

The port is owned and operated by Northport Ltd, itself owned jointly and equally by Marsden Maritime Holdings Ltd and the Port of Tauranga Ltd.

For more information please contact:

Peter Heath, Due North Public Relations

peter@duenorthpr.co.nz / 021-456089