What we do

Our competitive advantage

Transportation & Logistics

New Zealand’s geographical distance from its main trading partners makes the importance of an effective freight movement system vital. Locally, the presence of Port of Tauranga and the region’s strategically central location contribute to the relatively high proportion of people employed in the transportation, distribution and logistics sector. It also reflects the substantial manufacturing and horticulture sectors, the majority of which are exporters.

This strong export focus and the importance of the Port of Tauranga have shaped the region as a key area in the movement of New Zealand freight. Tauranga is located within New Zealand’s ‘golden triangle, bounded by Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga, which is responsible for around 65 per cent of the country’s freight movements. Strong growth is projected in this area over the next 20 years, when it will comprise over half of New Zealand’s total economic activity and 53 per cent of its population.

With an annual cargo throughput of more than 13 million tonnes, Port of Tauranga is New Zealand’s largest port by volume and the most efficient port in Australasia. The sustainability of New Zealand’s existing port sector investment and the global competitiveness of our supply chain are contingent on a rationalisation of our ports. Discussions on the potential of a merger between Ports of Auckland and Port of Tauranga highlighted further opportunities to develop the Bay of Plenty as New Zealand’s key transportation, distribution and logistics hub. Unlike Ports of Auckland, Port of Tauranga has sufficient land available to sustain considerable growth without the need for additional capital investment. Port of Tauranga aims to be recognised as New Zealand’s leading port by offering a range of preferred cargo gateways and shipping solutions that include and transcend the boundaries of their historic base in the Bay of Plenty.

The Western Bay of Plenty ICT Cluster is focusing on initiatives to grow the sector, particularly in relation to the horticulture and distribution/logistics sectors. Software development houses in the region have developed leading edge distribution and logistics software to support these sectors and also as export products in their own right.

Another advantage for the region as New Zealand’s distribution and logistics hub is Smart Transport Corridors, which has been specifically designed to facilitate the smooth movement of traffic to and from the port, both within the region and between the region and other major centres. In addition, discussions are being undertaken with key employers in the distribution, storage and logistics sector on the feasibility of an integrated logistics park. Strong interest in developing the concept is apparent, particularly as land costs soar in Mount Maunganui forcing logistics-based businesses to consider relocating further from the Port of Tauranga.