Car import volumes soar
Port of Auckland has posted “significant” volume growth for the financial year ending June 30 with car volumes climbing by 17.7 per cent to 202,555 units and roll-on roll-off tonnage jumping by 27.2 per cent.
This helped deliver a record underlying net profit after tax (UNPAT) of $111.2 million, up 30 per cent on 2024/25. Statutory NPAT of $116.3m included one-off gains and other items of $5.1m during the year.
The results reflect a “relentless” focus on safety, disciplined cost management, consistent operational performance and stronger customer partnerships, while reinforcing the port’s role as an economic asset supporting trade, jobs and regional growth. The board has declared a $55m dividend, up by $3m, to Auckland Council.
The company’s revenue was $403.8m and operating cashflow came in at $181.7m, supporting future investment. Container throughput rose by 5.5 per cent year on year and containers moved by rail climbed by 76.3 per cent to 184,826. There were 78 calls by cruise ships, down 33.3 per cent.
Jan Dawson, chair of the board, says the results show the port has continued to strengthen its performance, which allows it to invest for the long term.
She adds: “This has been another important year and reflects the significant progress the business has made. The result has been built on safe and stable operations, increased volumes, consistent execution and the commitment of our people, while continuing to build the infrastructure and capability Auckland will need for the future.
“The port plays a critical role in supporting Auckland’s economy. We’re an important gateway for Auckland and New Zealand to global markets, we enable trade, support thousands of jobs and generate returns that benefit Aucklanders.
“Our focus remains on delivering sustainable returns for Auckland Council while ensuring we remain a preferred port for our customers and communities we serve.”
Revenue and operating profit increased during the year, reflecting improved efficiency and lower operating cost pressure across key areas of the company, which says this performance shows the strength of the underlying business and its ability to fund continued investment.
Key infrastructure and technology programmes are focused on building capacity, improving resilience and supporting future growth.
Roger Gray, chief executive officer, said the 2025/26 result demonstrates the strength of the business, a relentless focus on safety and the ports’ ability to fund investment while continuing to return value to Auckland.
“Our people have delivered another safe year with stable and efficient operations,” he adds. “I’m proud of their effort, handling the higher volume which drove performance. It allowed us to pay a $55m dividend to Auckland Council and, by extension, the people of greater Auckland.
“We’re continuing to invest in the infrastructure, systems and assets that will support our next phase of growth and help us deliver even better customer experiences.”
Gray says the port has a “stable mix” of trades across its car and vehicle-import business, cruise, bulk and breakbulk cargo, and containers, which helps deliver such results.
“From these trades our operating cash flow was $181.7m, which gives us a strong base to keep supporting our customers and deliver sustainable long-term value for Auckland,” he adds.
“The port’s balance sheet remained strong at year end with total assets of $1.62 billion and total equity of $1.10b
“As New Zealand’s largest import port, we play a critical role in keeping goods moving, supporting businesses and ensuring Auckland remains connected to the world. Continued investment today will help ensure we can meet the needs of customers and the region well into the future.”
