The Port of Auckland is a critical component of New Zealand’s supply chain. It is the second largest container port and the second largest port for bulk volumes. It is also New Zealand’s largest import port. There is no viable alternative location for this port. Northport and the Port of Tauranga could potentially – over time – expand to take some of the volume and functions performed by the Port of Auckland but the port but this will be at considerable cost to the consumer and cargo owners. It would also lead to increased pressure on a road and rail network that just cannot cope with such increased demand without substantial upgrade. The consequences for this network would be substantial.