A Special Economic Zone covering the former refinery and Northport, focused on energy and maritime activity including a new drydock for ship repairs. Its principal feature is relief from planning regulation and the RMA: instead of councils, DOC and other agencies, consents would be decided quickly by a government expert panel judging whether a proposal grows the economy. Changes to overseas investment rules and a range of tax incentives are under consideration.
The former refinery site and Northport, focused on energy generation and distribution and on maritime activity — including the new drydock, servicing ship repairs from New Zealand and around the world. The document places it in a wider strategy of producing more for export while fortifying national security.
The principal benefit named is relief from planning regulation and the RMA. Rather than dealing with local and regional councils, DOC and other agencies, planning rules and consents would be determined quickly by a government panel, deciding on whether a change grows the economy and achieves the aims of the zone.
Changes to the Overseas Investment Act are under consideration to make quality foreign investment in the zone easier, while the document says national interest and ownership would still be protected — it points to Darwin, whose port is foreign-owned, as what it wants to avoid.
Presented as being considered rather than committed: rates rebates with the Crown paying councils for services to zone businesses, foregoing various levies, investment incentives, and reduced company taxes for specific investments. The document notes SEZ policy mixes vary internationally and can include tax breaks, wage subsidies, reduced regulation and infrastructure investment.
The zone is presented as part of a complex rather than a standalone legislative change, alongside the drydock, the Northland Expressway, and the Marsden Point rail link running north and south to Auckland.
“The principal benefit this economic zone would provide is relief from planning regulations and the RMA.”
“No longer will industries in the zone have to deal with local/regional councils, DOC and a myriad of other bureaucratic agencies for their activities.”
“This expert panel would make decisions based on whether the changes will grow the economy and achieve the aims of the zone.”
“Afterall, who wants another Darwin, where that port in Australia is owned by foreign interests?”
Points the document defers or leaves undefined. These are gaps in the document, not criticisms of the policy.
Which party holds a published position on which topic.
Swipe across to see all 11 topics — the party column stays put.
| Party | Economy | Housing | Health | Education | Climate | Environment | Crime & Justice | Treaty & Māori Affairs | Immigration | Foreign Policy | Democracy & Government |
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| Labour | ∅ | ∅ | ∅ | ∅ | ∅ | ∅ |
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