KEY POINTS:
Queens Wharf at the centre of Auckland's waterfront could be shared between the public, cruise-ship passengers and cargo operations.
Auckland Regional Council's transport committee has called for investigations into the feasibility of adding a cruise terminal to cargo facilities on the eastern half of the wharf, while potentially
turning the western side into a public promenade.
Others, including Auckland City Mayor John Banks, are unimpressed, calling for full public access to the wharf and the banishment of imported used cars and tropical fruit to other parts of the port.
Regional council committee resolutions made public yesterday after being formulated in confidential session on Wednesday propose joint efforts towards developing a passenger terminal by Auckland Regional Holdings, the port company, Auckland City and the Government.
But the transport committee also wants a feasibility study to "identify operational solutions for the mixed use of Queens Wharf by existing vehicle and other cargo, a primary cruise terminal and the provision of limited public access".
Regional chairman Mike Lee, whose council owns the port through Auckland Regional Holdings, said a "decent" new terminal was urgently needed to cater for a spectacular increase in cruise ship visits.
A tin cargo shed on Queens Wharf now doubles as an overflow facility for cruise passengers when the sole berth on neighbouring Princes Wharf is occupied by a ship.
That is despite the use of the port last year by 78 cruises, and industry expectations this year of a record season from 132,000 passenger bookings despite the global credit crunch.
But although Mr Lee said Queens Wharf's central location presented a unique opportunity for the city, he said his council recognised it as "a vital piece of maritime infrastructure and still essential for cargo shipping".
"It is a matter of balance."
Transport committee chairwoman Christine Rose said the wharf was a critically important site given its closeness to Britomart, harbour ferries and Queen St.
"The cruise industry makes a valuable contribution to the Auckland regional economy - we need to ensure it has adequate facilities to support visitors and their needs," she said.
But Mr Banks says cargo operations are incompatible with the vision he had while his council was negotiating to buy the wharf late last year for $60 million to $80 million.
"I support a complete redevelopment of Queens Wharf with full public access, open space and a cruise ship terminal," he said last night.
"What we are hearing now is a mishmash of jumbled thinking. If they want to develop Queens Wharf as a totality with great public open space, complete access and an international cruise ship terminal, they should come and talk to Auckland City. But anything else, I'm cutting them loose."
Heart of the City business association chief Alex Swney said a masterplan was needed instead of "chipping away wharf by wharf".