Environment Court gives go-ahead for Twin Berth Stage Two project at Gisborne port

Eastland Port chief executive Andrew Gaddum (left), port chair Wendie Harvey and general manager infrastructure and commercial Marty Bayley are delighted to have received approval from the Environment Court for Stage Two of the Twin Berth project.

The Environment Court has issued a consent order for Stage Two of the Twin Berth development which Eastland Port has described as a “monumental milestone” for the decade-long project.

In a release, Eastland Port said the development secured the necessary approvals for one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Tairāwhiti’s history, setting the stage for a resilient, future-focused port.

“The consent covers 26 resource consents, including extending Wharf 8, reclaiming land, dredging operations and modernising critical infrastructure such as the stormwater system and outer breakwater,” said Eastland Port general manager infrastructure and commercial Marty Bayley.

“The result will be a port capable of simultaneously berthing two 185-200m vessels, diversifying trade and reinforcing the region’s economic foundation.”

A “monumental milestone” is how port officials describe getting the Environment Court go-ahead for Stage Two of the Twin Berths project and they are looking forward to getting on with it.

In the release, Bayley commended the extensive collaboration with the community that made the outcome possible.

“This has been a decade in the making, involving robust consultation, independent advice and tireless efforts from technical experts, iwi, hapū, and the community.”

Bayley said reaching the milestone was a testament to the patience and goodwill of everyone who worked with Eastland Port to collectively address challenges and find the best solutions possible.

“The outcome reflects the strong relationships we’ve built and our commitment to being a responsible operator of our harbour.”

The Environment Court appeal process concluded with mediated outcomes with parties including Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust, culminating in agreements that balanced the region’s priorities alongside their respective concerns, he said.

“Not only have we secured consents with conditions that provide the port certainty for the next 35 years, we have also strengthened our relationships and standing throughout the community.

“Being authentic and addressing all concerns through the process built a solid application, trust and helped us achieve solutions that work for everyone.”

Eastland Port chair Wendie Harvey said the achievement was “a testament to the shared vision and dedication of everyone involved”.

“The Twin Berth project is not just about enhancing port infrastructure. It’s about ensuring Tairāwhiti remains resilient, competitive and well-positioned for the future.

“I am incredibly proud of the collective effort that has brought us to this pivotal moment, and I believe these developments will leave a lasting, positive legacy for future generations.”

The independent commissioners overseeing the application highlighted Eastland Port’s collaborative approach as a standout success, the release said.

“Dr Brent Cowie, a retiring commissioner, called our application the best he had seen in his career and commended the co-operative approach to addressing issues,” Bayley said. “That’s a validation of the extraordinary effort and collaboration behind this project.”

Eastland Port chief executive officer Andrew Gaddum emphasised “the significance of this achievement at regional and national levels”.

“This project is not only regionally significant but nationally remarkable. There are few recent examples of infrastructure projects of this scale receiving consent without the need to go right through the Environment Court process,” Gaddum said.

“I am immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished. The final consent conditions and relationships we’ve built reflect the dedication of our entire community.”

Gaddum noted the transformative potential of the project, which he said positioned Eastland Port to support a broader range of exports beyond logs, including manufactured wood products, bioenergy, produce and coastal containers.

“With the consents now in place, Eastland Port is eager to move forward,” he said.

“Design work is already under way, with full attention now focused on delivering projects that will support diverse trade opportunities.

“These developments are not just about strengthening our port. They’re about strengthening Tairāwhiti,” Gaddum said.

“We are building infrastructure that will serve our region for generations to come. Now it’s time to get on with making it happen.”

The Gisborne Herald has approached a representative of Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust for comment.