Eastland Port celebrates $5 million support

Eastland Port in Gisborne is first in line for extra Government funding to bolster New Zealand’s coastal shipping network.

Associate Transport Minister James Meager says Crown investment of $5 million will unlock fresh economic opportunities for the region.

Eastland Port chief executive Andrew Gaddum says the announcement is transformational.

“We are absolutely thrilled and deeply grateful for this investment.
It provides our growers, exporters, and local businesses with long-awaited access to move containers in and out of Tairāwhiti by sea.

“It’s a significant step forward for the region.

“This means fresher pathways to market, more reliable freight options during disruptions, and a genuinely competitive alternative for our growers and exporters – especially during peak seasonal demand.”

The money has come from the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund, which was established through the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024.

The $30 million fund invests in projects which enhance the sector’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from events that could disrupt NZ’s freight system.

“In addition to supporting regional prosperity, the investment will secure Tairāwhiti’s connectivity, as it creates an avenue for essential supplies to be brought in by sea if the region is cut off by road, as we saw in Cyclone Gabrielle,” James Meager says.

Gaddum says the timing of Meager’s announcement late last year couldn’t be better, as the port’s twin berth project is due to be finished in March, allowing two 180 metre ships to berth simultaneously.

The funding will enable Eastland Port to acquire specialised land side container-handling equipment to better support the region’s key industries like forestry, horticulture and food production.

“For our local producers whether they’re exporting wood products, kiwifruit, squash, wine or manufactured products, this changes what’s possible,” he says.

“Being able to ship containers directly from Tairāwhiti will remove barriers, cut costs, and help our local businesses scale.”

The funding agreement outlines clear milestones, with equipment orders beginning in late 2025 and capability being progressively commissioned through early 2026.

Both Meager and Gaddum say local MP Dana Kirkpatrick has been a key advocate for the funding boost.

Eastland is the first port to receive Government investment from the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund; more projects are in the pipeline awaiting confirmation.