NZ's port inefficiencies risk export goals, global shipping lines say

Shipping lines like Maersk want NZ to develop a hub-and-spoke port network. (Image: NZME)

Wed, 30 Jul 2025

Declining productivity and a fragmented port sector risk undermining economic growth and a goal to double exports by 2034.That’s the message from international shipping lines, who presented a critical picture of the current operating environment in their submissions to the transport and infrastructure select committee, which is undertaking an inquiry into the ports and maritime sector.As an isolated trading nation, New Zealand is highly dependent on shipping lines to get goods to market. Around 99% of goods by volume depart or arrive in N...

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