The Port of Tauranga Limited's application to apply via the referral pathway was approved on 27 November 2025. 

At this stage in the process, the applicant has up to two years to lodge a substantive application for assessment.

The applicant has not yet submitted a substantive application under the referral application pathway.

The applicant also has a separate application underway under the listed application pathway.

Find out about the referral application process

Learn more about the Stella Passage Development project applications

Application to apply via the referral pathway

Stella Passage Development Fast-track referral application form (PDF, 578KB)

Appendices

Stage 1 briefing to Minister

Stella Passage Development briefing stage 1 completeness (PDF, 1.5MB)

Invitation to comment

Combined letters (PDF, 1.6MB)

Comments received

Combined comments (PDF, 1.5MB)

(Note: comments received from invited Māori groups are included in the Section 18 report below)

Section 18 report

POTL Stella Passage Development section 18 Report (PDF, 13.7MB)

Stage 2 briefing to Minister

BRF-7218 Stella Passage stage 2 briefing (PDF, 1.5MB) 

Notice of Decision

Stella Passage stage 2 Notice of decisions (PDF, 219KB)