Upper North Island ports study commences

An independent technical study on the current and future freight demand for ports and ports-related infrastructure in the upper North Island will begin this month, following the appointment of PriceWaterhouseCoopers to undertake the study.

Auckland Council, on behalf of the Upper North Island Strategic Alliance (UNISA), has appointed PriceWaterhouseCoopers, following a robust Request for Proposal process to ensure comprehensive reporting and findings for the benefit of the upper North Island community and transport system.

The collaborative study will explore the current and future freight demand for the upper North Island and potential scenarios to meet this demand. The study will be supported by robust and credible analysis, modelling and data.

“The study aims to provide a credible and consistent understanding of the upper North Island’s freight and port supply chain system,” says Auckland’s deputy mayor, Penny Hulse.

Auckland Council will lead the study on behalf of UNISA. UNISA comprises the territorial authorities from Whangarei District, Hamilton City and Tauranga City; the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Northland Regional Councils; and Auckland Council.  UNISA’s purpose is to respond and manage a range of agreed inter-regional and inter-metropolitan issues.

The study is expected to be completed by December 2012.