Zespri is putting its support forward for the New Zealand Shippers' Council report calling on New Zealand to accommodate bigger ships and to make Port of Tauranga the North Island hub port.
"Upgrading New Zealand shipping ports to accommodate bigger ships will be the deciding factor in international supply chain efficiencies for New Zealand export industries," says Zespri shipping manager Mike Knowles.

Zespri kiwifruit being loaded at Port of Tauranga.

"For a country whose wealth is based on the success of our export industries, New Zealand must remain internationally competitive," says Mike.
"The strategic development of a North and South Island port to accommodate bigger container ships is imperative to long-term export growth and success.
"We cannot afford to turn these ships away from our ports and risk having our shipping services become increasingly 'boutique' in nature, using older and smaller ships to get our products to key global markets.
"The introduction of bigger ships to our existing supply chain arrangements, offers us a viable and cost efficient method of meeting the growing demand for our products into Asia and other markets.
"Not only would we be able to ship more Zespri kiwifruit at one time, but we would be able to reduce carbon emissions and further reduce our carbon footprint."