21 Sep 2015

Ports, councils urged to boost facilities for mega-liners

9:06 am on 21 September 2015

A cruise ship agency warns ports around the country risk losing mega-liner business to other countries unless they invest more to cater for them.

The number of ship passengers coming to New Zealand is expected to surge by 33 percent next year and the firest mega-liner is due in December 2016.

Craig Harris, who heads cruise ship agency ISS-McKay, said some ports were already under stress and may not cope.

He said cruise companies would send ships elsewhere if the ports did not cater for them.

Mr Harris says councils and other agencies to had to work together to make sure the ports and towns are ready.