NSX Welcomes “Pro-Growth” Planning Overhaul: Clifford Bay Can Be Delivered by 2029
- Info
- Dec 9
- 2 min read
Clifford Bay Port Limited (NSX) today congratulates Finance Minister Nicola Willis and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop on the announcement of a sweeping overhaul of New Zealand’s planning rules, describing the reforms as the catalyst needed to secure the nation’s supply chain future.
The Government’s introduction of the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill marks a decisive shift away from a system that has acted as a "handbrake on the economy". By committing to "saying yes to investment," Ministers Bishop and Willis have created the exact environment required to deliver the North South Express (NSX) project at Clifford Bay.
"Clifford Bay is exactly the type of infrastructure project that Ministers Willis and Bishop are trying to unlock. It can deliver national level economic gains. Economic modelling shows a Benefit Cost Ratio of 1.9.
"We applaud the Government’s 'Going for Growth' agenda and its commitment to lifting productivity," says Stephen Grice, Managing Director of Clifford Bay Port Limited. "For too long, complex planning rules have forced New Zealand into 'patch-up' solutions like the compromised proposals for Picton, rather than allowing for bold, purpose-built infrastructure that truly serves the national interest."
The Minister of Finance stated that we need to "say yes to innovation and yes to growth". The NSX project answers this call directly. By moving the South Island ferry terminal to Clifford Bay, we can integrate the national economy more closely, delivering an estimated $3.6 billion in capitalised economic benefits.
The streamlined approvals and reduction in regulatory burdens promised by these bills change the timeline for New Zealand’s infrastructure development.
"With these reforms, the path is clear. A faster, more efficient planning process means the Clifford Bay ferry terminal can be delivered and operational by 2029," says Grice.
"While the old system encouraged a 'minimum viable product' approach at Picton that would take years of disruption to build, these reforms allow us to build a modern, world-class asset on a greenfield site, faster and more efficiently."
Ministers have projected the reforms will increase GDP by at least 0.56 per cent by 2050.
The NSX project aligns perfectly with this goal by:
Cutting travel times: Shaving 2.5 to 3 hours off the journey between the North Island and Christchurch.
Lowering costs: Reducing freight transport costs, which lowers the cost of living for families.
Boosting resilience: Creating a purpose-built facility designed to modern seismic standards, rather than retrofitting a constrained port in the Marlborough Sounds.
Driving Economic Growth: Bringing our two major islands economic centres closer together increasing internal and external trade.
"The Government is right to replace a broken system with one that strengthens property rights and encourages efficient land use," Grice concludes. "We are ready to use this new 'pro-growth' system to deliver the gateway to the South Island that New Zealand deserves."
ENDS