NZ Expands Northland Marine Capacity

by Jeni Bone on 20 Aug 2008 A $20m project will open up NZ's shipbuilding capacity as government and private enterprise invest in the Northland province.

Back in April, the New Zealand government committed $2m to a $20m project to revive and redevelop Northland's boat-building capacity and marine precinct, Whangarei – now known as Port Nikau – an initiative that is hailed as having the potential to “transform New Zealand’s shipbuilding industry”.

According to Economic Development Minister, Peter Hodgson: “Northland already has world-class capability in the marine sectors, and has identified an opportunity to extend this expertise to larger, higher value projects in both the ship and yacht building sectors.”

The Whangarei Marine Engineering Initiative would enable Northland to move into more specialised areas, including large steel- hulled vessels and luxury steel and alloy megayachts.

The marine industry is expected to be boosted to include steel-hulled yachts and luxury mega-yachts.

The region's repair and re-fit capability would also be extended, enabling it to take on vessels up to 95m long.

The scheme is expected to cost upwards of $20 million, much of it coming from the private partners, including Ship Projects NZ, a consortium of marine industry firms.

“This has the potential to transform New Zealand's capability and offerings to the international shipbuilding and heavy engineering markets.”

The Government's $2 million contribution, made through New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, would help ensure the region had the infrastructure and marketing needed to make the most of the opportunity.

It also cleared the way for other parts of the initiative, such as more marine training courses through NorthTec, to be negotiated.

Port Nikau (originally Port Whangarei), is a unique waterfront location encompassing approximately 106 hectares of land within minutes of Whangarei’s central business district.

The Port includes numerous buildings and land parcels currently available for short and long term lease. Significant features of the area include deepwater access, a choice of three wharves and flat terrain.

Under its single ownership structure, Port Nikau presents a huge redevelopment opportunity which will incorporate internationally referenced urban planning and contribute immensely to the long term enhancement of Northland’s water and land based assets.

Port Nikau is currently zoned as Business 4 (heavy industrial). With a view to providing amenities synergistic with Whangarei’s 25-year growth predictions, a planning process designed to add flexibility to the area has been initiated.

Whangarei, a city of 50,000 people just two hour’s drive from Auckland, is the business centre of Northland. Port Nikau is ideally situated to take advantage of Northland’s moderate climate, relaxed lifestyle, pristine Pohutukawa-clad coastline and proliferation of water based activities.

More at www.enterprisenorthland.co.nz