Ports of Auckland won't appeal High Court ruling

The Ports of Auckland. Photo / Dean Purcell

Ports of Auckland says it will not appeal the High Court decision that revoked consent for its controversial Bledisloe Wharf extensions.

Following a board meeting today, ports chief executive Tony Gibson said while the decision caused some problems with consenting and the ability to accommodate more and longer ships "we feel that appealing this case would not produce a sustainable resolution to those issues".

"We will now look to Auckland Council's 'Future Port Study' to help find workable, long-term solutions to Auckland's sea freight needs," he said.

"We still have an immediate need to accommodate longer ships at our general cargo wharves and we will talk to our customers and stakeholders to try to find possible short-term solutions.

"We have made no decision yet on whether or not to reapply for consent for the B2 extension."

"Our container operations at Fergusson Terminal are not affected by this decision and continue to thrive. Over the coming months we expect to be able to announce a number of exciting new initiatives to improve that part of our business further," he added.

The Auckland Council has also decided not to appeal the decision.

It has commissioned a Future Port Study to look at the wider effects of the port on the city.

Last week, High Court Judge Geoffrey Venning ruled in favour of Urban Auckland - a society of architects and planning professionals - which challenged the lawfulness of the consents for the extensions.

The consents were granted late last year by Auckland Council.

Justice Venning ruled the consents should not have been granted for the project without the public first having a say.

The port has stopped work on a $22 million contract to build the extensions.