Terms of Reference Inquiry into Ports and the Maritime Sector

The Transport and Infrastructure Committee will establish an Inquiry into the Ports and Maritime Sectors to examine the current state, challenges, and future opportunities within the ports and maritime sectors. The Inquiry will focus on:

1. Economic Contribution and Efficiency
   • Assessing the contribution of ports and maritime industries to trade, logistics, and both regional and national economic development. This includes the scale, nature of operations, and markets of ports around New Zealand.
   • Understanding how ports and related infrastructure interact with other marine fleets operating in New Zealand (such as the national fishing fleet).
   • Investigating instances where competition between ports may be affected by market distortions.
2. Infrastructure and Investment needs
   • Evaluating the adequacy of existing infrastructure and identifying key investment priorities to support future growth.
   • Reviewing the interface between ports and the relevant parts of the land and maritime transport system.
   • Examining the current and potential role of coastal shipping within New Zealand's broader transport network.
   • Looking into the adequacy and locations of drydock facilities.
   • Reviewing technological developments in the sector and how these can help support the sector's growth.
   • Looking into the safety practices, both in ports and on the sea.
   • Understanding the consenting environment facing ports.
3. Regulation, Governance, and Ownership of Ports
   • Reviewing the current regulatory frameworks, funding, ownership, and governance structures to ensure effective oversight and coordination.
   • Examining the role of Maritime New Zealand in regulating the maritime sector.
4. Environmental Sustainability
   • Investigating the environmental impact of the sector
   • Understanding the sector's progress toward decarbonisation.
   • Reviewing the climate resilience of the sector.
5. Workforce and Skills Development
   • Considering the workforce capacity, training and education pipeline, and labour market challenges facing the industry.
6. Security and Supply Chain Resilience
   • Examining the sector's role in national security, emergency response, and supply chain continuity.
   • Understanding international shipping and supply arrangements.

The committee will gather evidence through public submissions, hearings, and stakeholder consultations, and report its findings and recommendations to Parliament.