Second substantive application

Project summary

The project involves the following activities.

• Deepening, by dredging, approximately 10.55 hectares of Stella Passage to a finished depth of approximately 16 metres below Chart Datum (CD) (approximately mean low water spring tide). This would yield a volume of dredgings of approximately 1.5 million cubic metres. This dredging will provide clearance for vessels to berth at the proposed wharf extensions.

• Maintenance dredging, on an as needed basis, to maintain an operational depth of 16 metres below CD within sitting basins and the shipping channel of Stella Passage.

• Reclamation of approximately 3.58 hectares of the CMA either side of Stella Passage, to facilitate the wharf extensions. Approximately 1.81 hectares is to be reclaimed on the Sulphur Point (western) side, and approximately 1.77 hectares is to be reclaimed on the Mount Maunganui (eastern) side.

• Development of an approximately 385 metre long extension to the south of the existing Sulphur Point wharves in two stages, a 285 metre extension first and the balance later.

• Development of an approximately 315 metre long extension to the south of the existing Mount Maunganui wharves in stages.

• Reconfiguration of existing structures and development of new structures in the CMA, primarily wharf piles, berthing piles and jetties.

• Construction and use of four additional cranes atop the proposed Sulphur Point wharf and Mount Maunganui wharves extensions for port operations (shipping container handling).

• If necessary, the capture and relocation of kororā/blue penguin from the footprint of the Mount Maunganui extension.

• Activities involved in, or that support and are subsidiary to, the project.

This description has been updated by the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Act 2025.

Project location

Coastal marine area within Tauranga Harbour at Sulphur Point and Mount Maunganui.

Completeness decision

The (second) substantive application by Port of Tauranga Limited was deemed complete on 12 February 2026. The application complies with the requirements of section 46 (2) of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024. The application was lodged on 22 January 2026.

Record of decision on completeness and scope - POTL Stella Passage Development (PDF, 81 KB)

Competing applications decision

The (second) substantive application by Port of Tauranga Limited was deemed not to have any competing applications or existing resource consents on 20 February 2026. This decision is required under section 47 of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024. 

Record of decision on competing applications - Stella Passage Development (PDF, 94 KB)

The application has been referred to the panel convener for determination by a panel.

Decision of appointment of panel and timing of panel decisions

On 9 March 2026, the panel convener issued a minute regarding:

• the appointment of the expert panel

• the timeframe of panel decisions for the Stella Passage Development Project under clause 2 of section 79 of the Act

The minute can be viewed on the Correspondence page for Stella Passage Development Project. 

Correspondence