The biggest infrastructure upgrades the port has seen in 100 years
Once finished, two 185-200 metre long ships will be able to berth at once here in Tūranganui-a-Kiwa, opening up the possibilities of large shipping container vessels to and from the region.
A shared story of success
Cargo exports through the port have increased from 605,786 tonnes twenty years ago to more than 3,000,000 tonnes per year. These figures reflect the continuing growth in Tairāwhiti’s exports, including logs, squash and kiwifruit. We’ve achieved this using the same wharf space we’ve had for a century, but hugely improving the efficiency of the way we work, in partnership with stevedoring company ISO.
The Twin Berth development will future proof the port for generations to come, ensuring we can continue to export greater volumes of product for the forestry, horticulture and agriculture industries.
Creating more jobs for local people
Future proofing our infrastructure
Supporting the regional economy
Considering the environment
Hapū and community groups
Our kaupapa of development ensures that projects are approached in a culturally respectful and inclusive way. We’ve formed consultative partnerships with the hapū of Tūranganui-a-Kiwa, and keep our immediate neighbours updated through the Port Community Liaison Group.
Reports and assessments
We’ve completed a comprehensive assessment of environmental effects and have produced many supporting reports and assessments. These cover all environmental, social, economic and cultural aspects of the proposed works and you can access each of them here.
Stage 1
This covers the rebuild of Wharf 7 and the Slipway. In December 2020, the resource consents were signed off by the Environment Court.
View a breakdown of stages here
Stage 2
This involves extending Wharf 8, one hectare of reclamation, dredging, and rebuilding the outer breakwater structure. We will also be upgrading the Southern Log Yard with our award-winning stormwater treatment system, so run-off from the entire port is captured.
THE CURRENT SITUATION – KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE
increase in export tonnage through the port over the last 10 years
Eastland Port is New Zealand’s most efficient (and second largest) log export port
of total employment in the region is from agriculture, forestry and the processing of their products
approx. of Tairāwhiti's GRP associated with Port activities
The future economic benefits for Tairāwhiti
The Twin Berth project will provide significant economic stimulus and opportunities for the Tairāwhiti economy.
Over the next few years, it’s estimated that the Stage 2 construction alone (Wharf 8 extension, reclamation, capital dredging and the outer breakwater refurbishment) will result in 86 additional FTE jobs for locals and $17.9 million per annum additional revenue spent with Tairāwhiti businesses.
Once the construction of both stages of Twin Berth are complete, the ongoing benefits to Tairāwhiti are even more promising.
The project will accommodate the forecast increase in the region’s forestry exports. If it’s also successful in attracting a coastal container service for exporting a significant share of the region’s agricultural and horticultural products, it’s estimated that Eastland Port will help sustain upwards of 40% of Tairāwhiti’s economic activity and around 43% of the region’s total employment.
