22 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Hastings District Council & Napier Port T T Richard Loader Port connects customers to the world Napier Port has been connecting Hawke’s Bay and its surrounding regions with the people and markets of the world for almost 150 years. Currently New Zealand’s fourth largest port by container volume, the Port benefits from a sizeable local cargo catchment. The majority of businesses exporting through Napier Port are located within 100 kilometres of the port. The Hawke’s Bay region is a $10.7 billion economy ( Stats NZ, GDP) by region and a major New Zealand producer, processor and exporter of primary products supported by high sunshine hours and fertile soils. “Napier Port is the gateway for the central and lower North Island’s exports and we operate a long-term regional infrastructure asset that supports the regional economy,” says Chief Executive Todd Dawson. “We employ 320 people directly and our operations indirectly support many thousands of jobs throughout the region. The role of the Port is to receive and process cargo, container and cruise ships arriving and departing by sea. We plan, operate and maintain port land and shipping channels, and we have the cargo-handling capacity, facilities and infrastructure to get our customers’ cargo efficiently across our wharves and en-route to market.” Napier Port is on the main transit route for international shipping services, is connected to inland freight hubs and core national road and rail networks, and operates 24 hours a day, 364 days a year. In FY2022, the Port managed the arrival and departure of over 513 ships, carrying over five million tonnes of cargo and handing 254,000 TEU containers. The Port provides a range of port and logistics services, with core revenue streams arising from container services, bulk cargo and cruise. On-site operations include marine, handling and value-add services. Todd acknowledges that the Port is primarily export focused with exports making up 82% of all cargo by weight processed in FY2022, including logs, wood pulp, pipfruit, timber, meat, wine and fresh produce. However, he says imports also contribute to the diversified trade portfolio. “Napier Port receives imports for the Hawke’s Bay region and lower North Island, and has capacity and landside logistics in place to increase this quantity, relieving pressure from congested northern ports. Imports Unloading containers from ANL Tasman Trader. represent 18% (by weight in FY2022) of cargo, and include fertiliser, oil products, general cargo and foodstuffs.” While the Port’s strategic location and cargo-handling capacity make it a key connection in central New Zealand’s supply chain, Todd says it’s the culture and service offering that are the foundation to its success. “We take pride in delivering for our customers, building collaborative relationships, supporting the local community and looking after our marine environment. Our future success is forged side-by-side with the success of our customers and our community. Collectively, we can drive growth that benefits our region, our people and our environment.” The Port’s reason for being is to build a thriving region by connecting its customers to the world. In 2018 the Port developed its strategy with this purpose in mind, focusing on four key goals: customer connection, harnessing data and technology, a networked infrastructure, and collaborative partnerships. The Port refreshed this strategy in 2021, prioritising sustainability and the four pillars of people, plant, prosperity and partnerships, alongside its culture of care as the foundations of its business to enable it to continue to achieve its goals. “Focusing on our strategic goal of customer connection as an example, we want to work more closely with our customers to know them, their business and the environment they’re operating in, developing efficient cargo solutions they need. In a time of recent global shipping disSubscribe to the Chamber newsletter to stay up to date with the latest business news and unlock the potential for your business to thrive. www.hbchamber.nz | support@hbchamber.nz Expand your network, access professional expertise, and save on business expenses. Receive support for business growth, advocacy for your interests, and opportunities for training and promotion. “Working together to guarantee success for every Hawke’s Bay business.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=