Auckland sees southern potential

While it is understood there are no current plans or partnerships in place, Mr Gibson responded positively to a question on the subject when announcing his port’s annual result.

“Being an import-dominant port and given the fact that large volumes of cargo move between Auckland and Christchurch, we see the opportunity to have some collaboration in the South Island with an interested partner,” he reportedly said.

With New Zealand long regarded as presenting challenges to calling container lines – numerous internationally-trading ports stretched around a winding coastline – inland ports are being seen as a potential means of reducing operational cost from the supply chain.

Ports of Auckland recently added a Mount Maunganui inland port to its existing facilities in South Auckland and Manawatu.