In a significant move to bolster regional freight infrastructure and economic resilience, the New Zealand Government has announced a $5 million investment in new container-handling equipment for Eastland Port in Gisborne. The funding will allow the port to begin shipping containers directly, opening the door to new trade opportunities and strengthening the region’s disaster response capabilities.
The announcement was made by Associate Transport Minister James Meager during his two-day visit to Tairāwhiti, as part of a broader government effort to enhance supply chain resilience and unlock regional growth.
Unlocking Economic Growth and Trade Opportunities
“This funding will directly benefit local businesses, exporters, and industries by enabling the ability to ship containers out of Gisborne,” said Minister Meager.
He stressed that giving Gisborne a more robust freight connection would help double New Zealand’s export value over the next decade—a core part of the Government’s economic agenda. With improved container-handling capacity, local producers—such as horticultural exporters, manufacturers, and forestry operators—will be able to move goods more efficiently and reach new markets.
Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience Post-Cyclone Gabrielle
The investment is also a strategic move to secure Tairāwhiti’s connectivity, particularly in the face of future natural disasters. Minister Meager referenced the region’s isolation during Cyclone Gabrielle, when road links were severed and many communities were left cut off from critical supplies.
“This investment creates an avenue for essential supplies to be brought in by sea if the region is cut off by road,” Meager said.
By expanding Eastland Port’s capabilities, the government is building in redundancy and flexibility into the national freight network—ensuring regions like Gisborne are not left vulnerable during future weather events or infrastructure disruptions.
First Recipient of the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund
Eastland Port is the first confirmed recipient of funding from the newly established Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund—a $30 million initiative launched under the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024.
The fund aims to:
- Enhance the resilience of New Zealand’s coastal shipping sector
- Prepare for and recover from disruptive events
- Strengthen the country’s freight and logistics infrastructure
This investment is seen as a model project for future regional port upgrades under the fund, as it supports both commercial growth and emergency preparedness.
Local Support and Community Advocacy
Minister Meager also acknowledged the strong backing of local MP Dana Kirkpatrick, who has been a consistent advocate for improving Gisborne’s transport links and securing investment in Eastland Port.
“I would like to acknowledge local MP Dana Kirkpatrick for her advocacy for the Gisborne community,” said Meager.
The project has received support from local stakeholders, businesses, and iwi, who see it as a vital step toward lifting regional productivity and supporting local employment.
Building for the Future
The container-handling equipment will allow Eastland Port to expand its operations and compete more effectively with larger ports across the North Island. With more efficient logistics on offer, Gisborne is better positioned to attract new shipping lines, encourage private sector investment, and drive long-term regional development.
The initiative is part of a wider national approach to decarbonise freight, improve multimodal connectivity, and future-proof key economic corridors in a rapidly changing climate and trade environment.
