Auckland Chamber of Commerce supporting halt to port work

Protesters on Queens Wharf express their opposition to the port expansion plans. Photo / Jason Dorday

The Auckland Chamber of Commerce is supporting a halt of work on two large wharf extensions into the Waitemata Harbour.

Chief executive Michael Barnett said the issue should not be decided in an emotionally fired environment that placed interested parties against one another.

Ports of Auckland confirmed on Monday it was proceeding with work on the extensions at the end of Bledisloe Wharf.

The decision to continue work comes despite public protests and a political call by Auckland Council to halt work until until a wide-ranging port study is done.

Mr Barnett said the ports company should stick to the current footprint until the wider community is better informed and understand why any change should occur and the consequences.

"Before anything else occurs the people of Auckland should be fully informed on why any change has to occur and what the consequences are to the port viability and the city's revenue if the changes are or are not made," Mr Barnett said.

He said the public should also be informed about ownership issues.

The chamber wanted to be part of a wide-ranging economic, social and environmental review of the port, which the council is currently drawing up.

The Stop Stealing Our Harbour protest group is planning a public rally on May 3 at a location still to be confirmed.