RESILIENT trade volumes, productivity improvements, and increased revenue and margin were highlights of Port of Tauranga’s half-year to 31 December 2025 and encouraged the board to raise its full-year forecasts.
Reported Group Net Profit After Tax increased 16.6% to NZ$70.2 million, with total trade volumes increasing 1.2% to 12.6 million tonnes for the first half of the financial year.
Container volumes increased 2.6% to 607,114 TEU. Imports increased by 5.3% to 4.7 million tonnes, while exports were slightly lower, decreasing 1.0% to 7.9 million tonnes, reflecting lower log and dairy volumes. Ship visits were up 3.9% to 717.
Operating revenue increased 8.5% to $244.1 million. Earnings from subsidiary and joint venture companies were up 27.3%, reflecting improved performance across most businesses. The interim dividend is 8.0 cents per share.
Port of Tauranga chair Julia Hoare said the result reflected the port’s continued focus on operational efficiency, cost control and long-term investment, while chief executive Leonard Sampson said the port continues to progress its strategy to create a more connected, resilient and efficient supply chain for New Zealand.
“We are investing in capacity, improving productivity and service delivery to our customers, as well as expanding our network to prepare for future growth,” Mr Sampson said. “Our relentless customer focus continues to drive service and productivity improvements. Our net crane and ship productivity rates for the period increased 3.5% and 12.7% — to 30.8 and 77.3 container moves per hour respectively — while improving safety,” he said.
“We have commenced the second stage of our consented capital dredging in Te Awanui Tauranga Harbour, as well as ordering a new larger hybrid tug to ensure the safe navigation of larger vessels expected in the future.”
Port of Tauranga continues to advance the Stella Passage resource consent with a new fast-track application lodged in January following amendments to the Fast-track Approvals Act. The Environmental Protection Authority has confirmed the application is complete and an expert panel will be appointed to assess it. Plans to introduce automated stacking cranes alongside the Stella Passage development are also progressing, with early digital simulation testing already identifying near-term efficiency improvements.
Ruakura Inland Port continues to grow strongly, with container volumes increasing 22% during the period compared with last year. At MetroPort in Auckland, a redesigned business model was implemented on 1 December, with KiwiRail providing increased MetroPort rail capacity from February between Auckland and Tauranga.
The later start to the dairy export season, combined with a strong kiwifruit export season from March, is expected to support continued strong volumes in the second half of the financial year, Port of Tauranga said, warning this may place pressure on container terminal capacity, particularly for refrigerated cargo.
The port expects to see improved results due to the reduction in costs from the new MetroPort model, pricing changes and improved operational efficiency.
“Consequently, and subject to market conditions, Port of Tauranga has increased its forecast Underlying Group Net Profit After Tax to $142 million to $152 million for the full financial year,” it said.