The decision to allow larger cruise ships to berth in Auckland will mean thousands of jobs for the city

A resource consent's been granted to upgrade Queens Wharf, which will see two large, concrete mooring dolphins fixed to the seabed.

The idea's been met with fierce opposition, and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff won't be surprised if an appeal is sent to the Environment Court in a bid to block the plans.

But he's all for the upgrade because the tourism industry is worth hundreds of millions of dollars for Auckland's economy and thousands of jobs.

At the same time, Goff understands the arguments brought forward by those who don't want any further incursions into the harbour.