Vehicle imports up 9% at port

CentrePort has announced 14,706 vehicles were imported through the facility in the year to the end of June 2026, a nine per cent increase from the previous year.

The rise came as the Wellington port’s underlying net profit after tax climbed 19 per cent, or $3.3 million, over the same period to $20.9m, and the number of twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) it handled grew by 69 per cent to 145,155.

The company says the annual result reflects continued growth across the port’s core operations, particularly in container trade, and reinforces its strategic role in New Zealand’s supply chain.

Net revenue rose 16 per cent year-on-year, supported by higher container volumes and continued strength across key cargo streams. 

Meanwhile, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation – as a percentage of net revenue – improved to 35 per cent, compared with 31 per cent in the prior year.

CentrePort says this reflects improved port operating margins that more than offset higher depreciation, lower investment income and reduced subsidiary and joint venture returns.

Lachie Johnstone, chair, adds the 2026 financial year has been another period of strong growth for the business. 

“We have delivered increased profitability, grown cargo volumes across several key trade segments and continued to invest in the infrastructure and capability needed to support New Zealand’s supply chain,” he explains. 

Looking ahead, he says the focus will be on consolidating the port’s sustainable growth trajectory and considering the future.