en.Wedoany.com Reported - A consortium comprising global port operator DP World and three Ngāi Tahu rūnanga has submitted a proposal to the owner of Lyttelton Port for a lease of operating rights, stating that the move could bring investment to the South Island's largest freight gateway while keeping key assets under public ownership.
The proposal has been submitted to Christchurch City Holdings Limited (CCHL). CCHL is a wholly-owned enterprise of the Christchurch City Council and the owner of Lyttelton Port Company (LPC). CCHL confirmed it is reviewing this unsolicited bid.
The consortium, operating under the name Tōnui, includes Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga, and Te Taumutu Rūnanga, along with Dubai-based logistics giant DP World, one of the world's largest port operators.
In a joint statement, the partners said the proposal would establish a new operating company under a long-term licensing arrangement, while allowing Christchurch City Holdings to retain ownership of the port land and strategic assets.
"The proposal aims to provide Christchurch with a viable alternative to the challenge of fully funding the next phase of port investment through CCHL, Lyttelton Port Company, and ultimately ratepayers," the consortium said. "Without a new funding and operating model, that investment would need to be financed within the existing public ownership structure, increasing pressure on CCHL, LPC, and Christchurch ratepayers."
Lyttelton Port is one of New Zealand's busiest freight hubs and a key gateway for South Island imports and exports.
Dr. Liz Brown, spokesperson for Tōnui, said the proposal would protect public ownership while introducing additional capital and expertise. "We believe this proposal can protect public ownership and financial flexibility while bringing in the capital and expertise needed to strengthen the port for future generations," Brown said. "For the rūnanga, it is crucial to ensure that the needs of the port, Whakaraupō-Lyttelton Harbour, and the region's environment are safeguarded, so that it continues to be an asset for Christchurch, Canterbury, and Te Waipounamu for generations to come."
Nicolaj Noes, Executive Vice President for Oceania at DP World, said the company was delighted to partner with the rūnanga. "DP World is grateful to collaborate with these three rūnanga, who bring culturally informed leadership skills and a deep commitment to the Lyttelton Port and Canterbury region," Noes said. "The proposal provides long-term investment for the port and the region, aligning with the rūnanga's commitment to broader social benefits and intergenerational stewardship."
The consortium said the proposal would allow Christchurch to access private capital for future port development while retaining ownership of strategic assets. Under the proposed structure, all current port workers would continue to be employed with terms and conditions no less favorable than existing ones.
Matthew Slater, CEO of CCHL, confirmed that the company received the unsolicited proposal via email on June 17 and is currently reviewing it. "Any proposal relating to CCHL's asset interests is reviewed as a matter of course," he said. Slater stated that the proposal would be evaluated based on the council's expectations and direction regarding any future port operating lease. "CCHL will consider the proposal as part of its normal business processes and will engage with the Christchurch City Council as shareholder and Lyttelton Port Company as appropriate throughout the process." Slater also dismissed claims that a recent visit by the CCHL board to the port was related to the proposal. "The CCHL board meeting held at LPC on Thursday, June 18, was unrelated to this proposal," he said. "It was a pre-scheduled meeting to engage with LPC and give due consideration to LPC's resilience and expansion project at Te Awaparahi Bay."
The proposal has drawn opposition from port unions. The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) has previously warned against selling or leasing the operating rights of Lyttelton Port, arguing that the port is a strategic asset that should remain under public control. "Lyttelton Port is a highly profitable, critical public asset belonging to the people of Christchurch and Canterbury," said Carl Findlay, MUNZ National Secretary. The union has also received support from the Maritime Union of Australia, which has criticized port privatization across the Tasman Sea and warned against greater involvement by global terminal operators. The proposal is currently under review by CCHL, with no timeline for a decision announced.
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