Public consultation over NZ ports merger

Otago Regional councillors earlier in the week voted to consult the public over a possible merger between Port Otago and Lyttelton Port, despite deeming such a move to be insignificant, the Otago Daily Times reported.

Port Otago is expected to make a formal recommendation on a merger proposal to the regional council this year.

It is in discussions with Lyttelton Port over the possible move, which was recommended by an independent report that has not been made public.

Regional council corporate services director Wayne Scott told councillors at yesterday's finance and corporate committee any merger, while important, was not significant under the Local Government Act.

Decisions not deemed significant could be made without public consultation.

However, staff recommended, in the 2010-11 draft annual plan, the council consult the public anyway.

A report to the committee said as the merger would only be approved if it benefited Otago, and the fact the port would remain wholly council-owned, meant merging with Lyttelton was not significant.

(Source: Cargo News Asia)