Port of Tauranga nears finish-line in Stella Passage consent battle

Port of Tauranga has announced conditional approval for its Stella Passage development under the government's fast-track consenting process in a statement to the NZX.

The project involves extending the Sulphur Point container berth by 385 metres and its Mount Maunganui wharves by 315 metres, by converting cargo storage land within the port's existing footprint.

Additional reclamation of the land behind the new wharves and dredging of the Stella Passage will also be carried out.

Port of Tauranga chief executive Leonard Sampson welcomed the draft decision, calling the expansion vital for the regional and national economy.

"The Stella Passage development will bring widespread economic benefits, reduce costs for importers and exporters, and unlock decarbonisation opportunities," he said.

The draft approval is subject to unpublished conditions by the fast-track expert panel, which have not been publicly released.

The port has two days to respond to the proposed conditions and other interested parties will also have the opportunity to also comment.

Monday's draft decision brings the finish-line into sight for a consenting process that run for seven years.

The project spent years working through Resource Management Act hearings, environment court proceedings, and legal challenges over its environmental and cultural impacts.