Berth expansion at Marsden Pt on hold

Plans to construct up to two new berths at Marsden Pt will be put on hold until title issues surrounding the Foreshore and Seabed Bill are resolved, says Northland Port Corp chairman Mike Daniel.

He said the 50-year leases being talked of for the berths in the deep water port were too short.

"No one in their right mind would spend say $25 million on a new berth with the prospect of having to give it back to the Government after 50 years."

Daniel said the consent process for construction of up to two new berths was nearly complete and preliminary engineering and costing work was also under way.