Northport secures resource consents for major expansion project

Last week, the Environment Court granted resource consents to Northport Limited (“Northport”) for a 13ha expansion to its port facilities at Marsden Point, subject to revised conditions. This is a significant milestone for Northport, following many years of design, engagement, and refinement.

The consents are subject to a 20-year lapse period and a 35-year duration, providing Northport with long-term certainty to plan for and meet future freight demands.

In Northport’s words, this decision enables the port to realise its vision for a dedicated container handling, storage and logistics facility to support economic growth and supply chain resilience in Northland and the Upper North Island.

ChanceryGreen has advised Northport on this project for over four years.

Application history

In 2022, Northport applied for resource consents to undertake the port expansion project. In 2024, the application was declined by independent commissioners appointed by the Whangārei District Council and Northland Regional Council, due to concerns about potential effects on cultural and recreation values and public access.

Northport appealed the commissioners’ decision to the Environment Court. Following lodgement of the appeal, there occurred a period of approximately 10 months of direct engagement with interested parties, including hapū groups, Forest & Bird, and several port-related entities.

During this period, the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 came into force, which offered Northport an alternative consenting pathway – with Northport’s port expansion project being a listed project in Schedule 2. However, Northport elected to continue with the standard RMA consenting process.

As a result of the parties’ collaborative engagement on the appeal, an updated suite of consent conditions was agreed that resolved all issues on appeal. These were submitted to the Environment Court for determination.

Environment Court determination 

In a consent determination, Judge Smith allowed the appeal and granted the resource consents sought by Northport.

The Court recognised the port’s critical role in Northland’s economy and the clear support for the project in the port-specific planning directives. Judge Smith observed that the RMA’s purpose of sustainable management must be understood on an intergenerational basis – emphasising that the project presents an opportunity for Northport to model how an efficient port can contribute to its local community.

The Court commended the parties’ pragmatic and collaborative approach in resolving the appeal, noting that it reflected a constructive outcome following a considered process.

Comment

ChanceryGreen is extremely pleased with this outcome, which is a testament to the vision and dedication of Northport, and the collaborative approach of the parties.