New Zealand: New Plan to Ensure Effective Operations at Lyttelton Port

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee said that he is using the powers of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act 2011 to allow for timelier redevelopment of the badly damaged Lyttelton Port.

“Under the CER Act I have directed Environment Canterbury and Lyttelton Port Company to prepare the Lyttelton Port Recovery Plan,” Mr Brownlee said.

“Lyttelton Port needs certainty about repairing, rebuilding and reconfiguring its operations, and this plan will deliver that.

“The port is the major gateway to the South Island for goods freighted by sea and it makes a significant contribution to the regional and national economy.

“Creating the Recovery Plan provides for the social, economic, cultural and environmental wellbeing of the Lyttelton and greater Christchurch communities.”

The plan will ensure safe, efficient and effective operations, while taking account of the impact on the coastal marine area and the community, any implications on transport and the needs of users of the port and its surrounding areas.

“I know the people of Lyttelton are passionate about their township and the community and port users need to be involved in the preparation of this plan,” he added.

“Lyttelton Port Company and Environment Canterbury will be required to consult with those groups and the public as the plan is developed. There have been no decisions made on how the port should be redeveloped, but I have determined that the Recovery Plan is the best tool for timely redevelopment to be achieved.”

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Press Release, June 23, 2014