UPDATED 2.19pm: The Lyttelton Port Company is asking Environment Canterbury to give certainty on its future.

Day one of seven days of public hearings on ECAN’s preliminary draft Lyttelton Port Recovery plan began this morning.

In responding to the submissions around the proposed reclamation, port expert John O’Dea says the port needs certainty that it will be able to grow.

"Without this, the port will have no confidence that it can successfully implement the project. As a result, many of the component projects will be delayed until this certainty can be achieved."

The port is looking to expand up to 27 hectares east, using quake rubble, rocks, imported soil and gravel. 

And a cruise ship berth at Lyttelton Port could be under threat.

The berth, at Naval Point, is proposed in Environment Canterbury’s preliminary draft Lyttelton Port Recovery plan, after earthquake damage closed a previous wharf for cruise ships.

But following consultation, ECAN principal consents advisor Bianca Sullivan says consent for the berth shouldn't be automatic.

"Given the concerns raised both by the recreational users and by the oil companies, we don't think that the naval point cruise berth should continue as a controlled activity.

"We are recommending in the officer's report that it becomes a fully discretionary activity."

 

A discretionary activity allows ECAN to withhold resource consent for a cruise berth, while passing the rest of the plan.