Mayor Len Brown hopes Ports of Auckland will 'take a breather' on construction

Mr Brown told TV3's The Nation today that a study on the economic, environmental and social impact of the port on wider Auckland has begun. Photo / New Zealand Herald

Auckland mayor Len Brown said he is hoping discussions with the Ports of Auckland will result in the port "cooling their heels" on the construction of two massive wharf extensions, due to begin next month.

Mr Brown told TV3's The Nation today that a study on the economic, environmental and social impact of the port on wider Auckland has begun.

He has told the council and the port that he wants discussions around the study between the council and Port of Auckland to be held in the coming days and weeks ahead of the start date on the extensions.

"I've indicated to our councillors and to the port that I want... a discussion that relates to the port cooling their heels and taking a breather."

Mr Brown said he sees some of the merits around the wharf extensions but isn't entirely convinced.

He said he thought there should be a multi-storey car park for the vehicles brought in on ships awaiting clearance.

His comments come on the back of Urban Auckland, a society set up to protect the city's built environment and waterfront, taking the first legal steps to stop Ports of Auckland beginning construction on the wharf extensions.

The group said it had notified Ports of Auckland and Auckland Council on Thursday that it proposed to issue legal proceedings against them in the High Court because it considers the resource consents for the wharf extensions were granted unlawfully.

Mr Brown said they were consented under rules inherited from the former Auckland Regional Council and council could not legally decline or publicly notify them under those rules. Nor did the council have the power to revoke or reverse the consents, he said.

There has been a public outcry at the port company's plans to extend the wharves and reclaim the seabed between them over time.

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