Ports of Auckland directors are today considering a call from the company's owner to either delay or justify the imminent extension of Bledisloe Wharf into the harbour.
Auckland Council, through its investment company ACIL, has made the request in writing to the port board, after a public outcry over the extension .
The two sides of the Bledisloe Terminal (foreground) would be built 98 metres further into the harbour, with the port later hoping to reclaim the space between them. Photo: SUPPLIED / Ports of Auckland
In February, councillors learned Ports of Auckland had obtained consents to make the 98 metre extension while the future of the port's expansion was still being debated.
ACIL has confirmed it was told last year by the port company it intended seeking consents for the extension, and that they had been granted, but did not think it needed to alert the council.
The port company has said the extensions are urgently needed and if they do not go ahead some ships may have to be turned away.
A judicial review of the legality of the consents will be sought by a lobby group at the High Court next week.