The ambitious plan to move Auckland's freight operations up north has inched one close step closer, with Cabinet ministers now considering final recommendations to push ahead.
A government-commissioned report has found the freight operation in Auckland is "no longer viable" economically or environmentally and recommends Northport go ahead.
New Zealand First campaigned on the project, but one of its champions - Shane Jones - has been told to pull his head in and stop making big promises on behalf of the wider government.
RNZ political editor Jane Patterson has the details.
