There are doubts Ngai Te Rangi will lodge an appeal against the Port of Tauranga after it was permitted to dredge the harbour.

The Environment Court has upheld the decision by a panel of commissioners to allow the port to dredge the harbour in order to provide access for bigger container ships.

Port of Tauranga.

The port company is planning to deepen the harbour to a maximum depth of 17.4m and to also widen it.

Hauata Palmer from Ngai Te Rangi says the runanga hasn't met to decide whether or not to appeal.

The iwi is concerned removing a large amount of material from the harbour will damage pipi beds.

The Port of Tauranga has released a statement saying it is pleased with the decision and expects final consent conditions to be drafted and approved by the court this year.