Mayor's column – Carrying Northland’s momentum into the election year
Published on 02 June 2026
A fortnightly column by Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper.
There are periods in New Zealand’s history when major infrastructure decisions and changes to the regulatory framework have occurred at the same time. When they do, the effects on regions are often felt well beyond the moment those decisions are made.
In the late 1970s and 1980s, Marsden Point was one such place. Nationally significant infrastructure was developed there in response to economic pressure and concerns about energy security. At the time, New Zealand was prepared to invest heavily in assets it believed would support its long-term interests.
Not long after, the country entered a period of wide-ranging reform. By the end of the 1980s, the way Government operated, how markets functioned, and how local councils were structured had all changed. The infrastructure at Marsden Point remained, but the policy and regulatory settings around it were very different.
That experience is worth reflecting on as Northland moves through another period of change.
Earlier this year at Waitangi, I met with ministers and national leaders to discuss Northland’s priorities. Those discussions focused on the dry dock at Marsden Point, the rail spur, the importance of a safe and reliable northern highway, and the role of the Knowledge Hub in building skills for the future.
Since then, each of these areas has continued to progress – the dry dock is now in the fast-track consenting process, the business case for the rail spur is advancing, funding has been committed to NorthTec, and work is expected to begin later this year on the Warkworth to Te Hana section of the highway.
Fuel supply disruptions, global uncertainty and a growing focus on resilience have brought renewed attention to regions that support New Zealand’s energy, freight and trade. In that context, Northland has taken on increased national relevance. Marsden Point is now being considered not only for what it has delivered in the past, but for the role it can play in supporting the country’s future growth and security.
As Marsden Point enters its next phase, attention has turned to whether the current regulatory settings are fit for purpose – whether they support growth, attract investment and enable New Zealand to compete internationally.
The proposal for a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Marsden Point has been part of public discussion for several years but is now front and centre. With key projects moving from planning into delivery, the focus has sharpened on whether the right settings are in place to support what comes next. As a regulatory framework, a SEZ is intended to support investment and business activity by providing greater certainty and a more coordinated approach to development.
Northland is navigating change across several fronts, including local government reform, industry development and education pathways. A regional deal would help bring these elements together in a coordinated manner. Including a SEZ at Marsden Point, it would provide the formal partnership with Central Government needed to turn regulatory settings into coordinated investment, reform and long-term delivery for the north, offering a clear framework for progress and shared direction for the region.
This is the context in which Northland is moving into a general election year. Key infrastructure at Marsden Point is progressing, the region is aligned around a refreshed vision, and a clear direction is already established. The focus now is on who is prepared to support that direction and help carry it forward.
As the election approaches, Northland’s message is directed close to home.
Party list MPs from Northland are, and will continue to be, an important way of ensuring the region’s voice is heard in the corridors of power. In addition, three parliamentary seats will be contested across our region.
For those seeking to represent Northland, this is an opportunity to demonstrate how they will work in partnership with the region; supporting the infrastructure already underway, backing a SEZ and a regional deal, and ensuring education, skills and reform keep pace with growth.
Northland has momentum. We are relevant, we understand the moment we are in, and we are prepared to work alongside those who share that understanding and are willing to fight for Northland in Wellington.