New Zealand's Port of Tauranga Limited reported a 5.9 per cent year-on-year rise in total trade to 6.6 million tonnes and a nine per cent increase in container volumes to 319,649 TEU for the first quarter of the 2026 financial year, reports London's Port Technology International.

Chief executive Leonard Sampson attributed the growth to higher bulk imports and containerized export transshipment. He noted the port's performance was achieved despite berth capacity constraints at the container terminal.

Mr Sampson told shareholders the port remains focused on productivity gains to deliver optimal service at New Zealand's busiest port. The company expects full-year underlying Net Profit After Tax to range between NZ$137 million (US$77.6 million) and NZ$147 million.

The port's growth underscores continued demand for efficient services and the strategic role of productivity improvements in supporting long-term trade expansion.