Port of Tauranga's Cairns says export growth in 1H suggests 'economy in not too bad a shape'

Port of Tauranga's Cairns says export growth in 1H suggests 'economy in not too bad a shape'
Jonathan Underhill
By Jonathan Underhill Feb. 23 (BusinessDesk) - Port of Tauranga chief executive Mark Cairns says the 9.4 percent growth in export volumes from New Zealand's biggest port suggests the economy "is in not too bad a shape" as log and dairy shipments rise alongside an increase in farm inputs. Cargo volume growth drove a 13 percent gain in the port's first-half profit to $47 million and the company raised its full-year profit guidance to a range of $92-$96 million from an earlier forecast of $88-$92 million. That would be an increase of as much...