Three rūnanga partner with global giant for Lyttelton Port bid

Three Ngāi Tahu rūnanga have confirmed they are behind a bid alongside global logistics giant DP World to lease Lyttelton Port operations.

The port's parent company, CCHL, confirmed it received the unsolicited proposal from the consortium last week.

In a joint statement, the group said the proposal would keep land and port assets in public ownership, while creating a joint operating company to fund the port's future growth.

"The proposal has been designed to give Christchurch a practical alternative to the challenge of funding the next phase of port investment entirely through CCHL, Lyttelton Port Company and, ultimately, ratepayers," said the partners in their statement.

"Without a new funding and operating model, that investment would otherwise need to be funded from within the existing public ownership structure, increasing pressure on CCHL, LPC and Christchurch ratepayers."

The three rūnanga, Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, Te Ngai Tūāhuriri Rūnanga and Te Taumutu Rūnanga have partnered under the name Tōnui.

Group spokesperson Liz Brown said the proposal would protect public ownership and financial flexibility, while bringing in the capital and expertise needed to strengthen the port.

"Critical for rūnanga is making sure the needs of the port, Whakaraupō-Lyttelton Harbour and the region's environment are safeguarded so they can continue to be assets to Christchurch, Canterbury and Te Waipounamu for generations to come," Brown said.

Global logistics giant DP World said it was grateful to be working with the rūnanga.

"The proposal offers a long-term investment in the port and the region aligning with the rūnanga's commitment to wider social benefit and intergenerational stewardship" said Nicolaj Noes, the EVP, DP World, Oceania.

The proposal has already faced heated opposition from port workers' unions. The group said in its statement under the new model all current port workers would stay on, with no less favourable terms.

The proposal now sits with CCHL for consideration.

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