Parties agree to act on cruise ships

A collective commitment was made to address community concerns and prioritise solutions to reduce the impact of cruise ships in Lyttelton.

The commitment follows a meeting hosted by us on Monday 10 July to discuss the impact of cruise ships on public transport services.

Chair Peter Scott met with the New Zealand Cruise Association, Lyttelton Port Company, Christchurch NZ, Christchurch City Council, Waka Kotahi, Green Party list MP Eugenie Sage and Banks Peninsula MP Tracey McLellan.

'We've been able to come together as a group and agree to work collaboratively to help reduce the impact of cruise ships on the local community, while also enabling us to enjoy the benefits of having passengers visit," Scott said.

While it was too early to get into the specifics of what solutions might look like, he said those present expressed a willingness to work with each other and the community to find a solution.

"We agreed that there is an urgency to move on this prior to the next season, and that the community will be involved in the process to develop some solutions," Scott said.

New Zealand Cruise Association chief executive Jacqui Lloyd said the industry welcomed the opportunity to work with the community and collaborate with other agencies to ease the pressure the influx of passengers created.

"The cruise industry is pleased to be included in the discussion and collaboration to ensure that all visitors are seen as good guests, are respectful of the local community and that the presence of passengers adds to the vibrancy of the city," Lloyd said.

ChristchurchNZ General Manager Destination and Attraction Loren Heaphy said while there was a clear economic benefit in cruise ship visits, it was important to work alongside the local community.

"We know cruise ship visitors contribute about $34 million a year to the local economy, however we’re keen to work with the industry to ensure that any negative impacts on the community are mitigated," said Heaphy.

Scott was pleased that the meeting had found a way forward to ease the burden on ratepayers after more than 70 cruise ships visited Port of Lyttelton in the past 12 months.