Herald business writer
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![Who's behind the $300m manufacturing plant promising 100 jobs for Kawerau?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Who's behind the $300m manufacturing plant promising 100 jobs for Kawerau?
History shows commercialising pine-based replacements for coal and petroleum is tough.
!['Time's up': Major export gateway Port of Tauranga runs out of container berth space](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Time's up': Major export gateway Port of Tauranga runs out of container berth space
No room left to take on new shipping services.
![Seeka feels lash of 2023 weather with $14.5m net loss](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Seeka feels lash of 2023 weather with $14.5m net loss
Prospects now look brighter as improved growing conditions signal record kiwifruit crops.
![Port of Tauranga faces challenge of wars, economic malaise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Port of Tauranga faces challenge of wars, economic malaise
Lower dairy and kiwifruit volumes and lower consumer appetite for imports take toll.
![Zespri starts global search for new CEO but eyes a New Zealand base this time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Zespri starts global search for new CEO but eyes a New Zealand base this time
Global marketer also reports record grower returns forecast for this season.
![Zespri's next big challenge: Kiwifruit growers' sinking appetite for share ownership](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Zespri's next big challenge: Kiwifruit growers' sinking appetite for share ownership
The valuable kiwifruit export industry is recovering its mojo after a gruelling two years.
![Zespri boss Dan Mathieson leaving for job with global berry giant](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Zespri boss Dan Mathieson leaving for job with global berry giant
The CEO of seven years will stay to oversee the new season's export sales.
![Zespri flags major lost opportunity for SunGold kiwifruit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Zespri flags major lost opportunity for SunGold kiwifruit
Loosening Northern Hemisphere SunGold growing limit on the agenda.
![Zespri reducing SunGold kiwifruit growing licences next year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Zespri reducing SunGold kiwifruit growing licences next year
No red kiwifruit licences offered as industry takes stock of the new variety.
![Port of Tauranga gets partial green light from Environment Court for expansion project](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Port of Tauranga gets partial green light from Environment Court for expansion project
Stage 1 involves constructing 285 metres of additional berth.
!['Bring it on' says market to possible big Port of Tauranga shares sale by council](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Bring it on' says market to possible big Port of Tauranga shares sale by council
Bay of Plenty council's big stake makes port shares harder to buy.
![Under wraps: Report on Zespri's export dominance for growers' eyes only](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Under wraps: Report on Zespri's export dominance for growers' eyes only
Grower body says "communication" of the report's findings has yet to be decided.
![Slump in container volumes dampens Port of Tauranga earnings outlook](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Slump in container volumes dampens Port of Tauranga earnings outlook
Annual shareholders' meeting hears of rough seas in economic downturn.
![Port of Tauranga hunkers down for another tough year, posts solid FY23 outcome](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Port of Tauranga hunkers down for another tough year, posts solid FY23 outcome
Total trade down due to weather hits and drooping consumer import demand.
![Troubled kiwifruit growers query Zespri CEO's offshore base](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Troubled kiwifruit growers query Zespri CEO's offshore base
Placing CEO close to markets has a downside back home in a crunch.
![Why did Zespri's wage bill go up as net profit and grower returns went down?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Why did Zespri's wage bill go up as net profit and grower returns went down?
Zespri defends $10 million increase in its payments to employees.
![Zespri takes rogue gold kiwifruit operations in China to court](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Zespri takes rogue gold kiwifruit operations in China to court
Strengthening of Chinese horticulture law opens path for civil action.
![Growing concern about wait for Environment Court decision on Tauranga port plan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Growing concern about wait for Environment Court decision on Tauranga port plan
Nearly six-month wait for resource consent decision creates investor 'uncertainty'.
![Roller coaster ride continues for kiwifruit growers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Roller coaster ride continues for kiwifruit growers
Glimmer of hope for green kiwifruit growers but hectare returns forecast goes south.
![Bruised, battered but still bold: Zespri’s hopes for kiwifruit industry after economic storm](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Bruised, battered but still bold: Zespri’s hopes for kiwifruit industry after economic storm
Many growers in the sweetheart export sector are 'under severe financial stress'.
![Why Zespri's earnings took a hit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Why Zespri's earnings took a hit
Problems or opportunities? Industry pledges to rise to challenges after tough year.
![Container expansion stoush: Port of Tauranga modifies plan, but keeps lid on cash offer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Container expansion stoush: Port of Tauranga modifies plan, but keeps lid on cash offer
Port's Environment Court bid being challenged by 11 local iwi and hapu groups.
![Zespri's unauthorised planting headache grows in China](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Zespri's unauthorised planting headache grows in China
Smuggled variety means NZ industry leaders will head to China to investigate.
![Māori kiwifruit growers launch first export venture](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Māori kiwifruit growers launch first export venture
Māori Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated has plans for Hawaii market, eyes Taiwan.
![Zespri brightens export price outlook but thorny issues still lurk](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Zespri brightens export price outlook but thorny issues still lurk
Smaller crop this season an opportunity to get on top of quality issues.
![Port baffled by proposed $100m mitigation claim from local iwi](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Port baffled by proposed $100m mitigation claim from local iwi
Ngai Te Rangi one of several iwi contesting Port of Tauranga's plans.
![Zespri forecasts big net profit dip and confirms NZX listing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Zespri forecasts big net profit dip and confirms NZX listing
Listing likely later this year but only growers will hold shares.
![Port of Tauranga rides rough trade swells to lift profit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Port of Tauranga rides rough trade swells to lift profit
Despite Kiwifruit slump, port posts improved performance.
![Cyclone Gabrielle: $2b kiwifruit industry right in path of storm](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Cyclone Gabrielle: $2b kiwifruit industry right in path of storm
Fruit quality woes could intensify as Cyclone Gabrielle hits premium growing regions.
![New export container volume commitment to strengthen supply chain confidence](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
New export container volume commitment to strengthen supply chain confidence
Fresh commitment avoids need for 18,000 long-haul road and rail round trips a year.
![Bright prospects for NZ kiwifruit export sales in next five years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Bright prospects for NZ kiwifruit export sales in next five years
Zespri must get on top of fruit quality issues quickly, says Craigs Investment Partners.
![Zespri warns of $35m-plus earnings pain coming due to kiwifruit quality](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Zespri warns of $35m-plus earnings pain coming due to kiwifruit quality
Important Japan market undersold due to quality problems.
![Zespri forecasts big jump in kiwifruit production over next five years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Zespri forecasts big jump in kiwifruit production over next five years
The future looks bright but risks lurk, including increasing competition.
![Port of Tauranga chair blasts consent law and policy as supply chain frustration rises](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Port of Tauranga chair blasts consent law and policy as supply chain frustration rises
Country's busiest port trying to get green light for container project start since 2019.
![Why Zespri's shareholder numbers are getting attention](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Why Zespri's shareholder numbers are getting attention
Zespri leaders confront a challenging dilemma as agriculture minister looks on.
![Kiwifruit sector marshals resources against export fruit quality downturn](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Kiwifruit sector marshals resources against export fruit quality downturn
Kiwifruit industry was 6000 workers short this season.
![New court date for Port of Tauranga as frustration builds](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
New court date for Port of Tauranga as frustration builds
Cost of container wharf extension now $20 million higher.
![Northport holds key to unlock supply chain - Port of Tauranga CEO](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Northport holds key to unlock supply chain - Port of Tauranga CEO
Northport's container volumes up 42 per cent due to diverting ships.
![Port of Tauranga delivers steady result in another tough year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Port of Tauranga delivers steady result in another tough year
New Zealand's largest port expects pandemic hangover disruption to continue.
![Zespri grower earnings dip, alarm over fruit quality issues](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Zespri grower earnings dip, alarm over fruit quality issues
Fruit loss and quality claims expected to keep tracking above normal averages.
![Worst quality export kiwifruit in decades, NZ brand being hurt: Zespri CEO](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Worst quality export kiwifruit in decades, NZ brand being hurt: Zespri CEO
Tough-talk as Zespri calls for industry-wide approach.
![Seeka's wild ride through a stormy horticulture half year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Seeka's wild ride through a stormy horticulture half year
Seeka's resilience severely tested in first half of 2022.
![Why kiwifruit earnings won't be so juicy this year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Why kiwifruit earnings won't be so juicy this year
Fruit loss significantly above forecast, and returns heading south of June predictions.
!['We can't wait': Tourism businesses excited for their ships to come in](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'We can't wait': Tourism businesses excited for their ships to come in
About 100 cruise ships are scheduled to dock in Tauranga between October and April.
![Cruise ships - and passenger dollars - are coming back](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Cruise ships - and passenger dollars - are coming back
Demand is high for a cruise ship visit to New Zealand.
![Tauranga harbour health fund flush as port protest plan firms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga harbour health fund flush as port protest plan firms
Funds in harbour wellbeing trust well short of addressing degradation, iwi says.
![Another setback for Tauranga port's urgently-needed container wharf build](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Another setback for Tauranga port's urgently-needed container wharf build
Cost inflates by $20m in two-year delay.
![New Waikato-BoP supply chain study promotes action over words](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
New Waikato-BoP supply chain study promotes action over words
New action plan claims to reflect freight industry consensus on priority needs.
![Maersk to start dedicated NZ coastal shipping service](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Maersk to start dedicated NZ coastal shipping service
Two-vessel service starts next month, will only operate in NZ waters.
![Tauranga port gets Environment Court date, chair runs up timing red flag](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga port gets Environment Court date, chair runs up timing red flag
Port says export volumes will stall from 2024 if build doesn't start this year.
![Red alert: Zespri's first commercial red kiwifruit crop heads offshore](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Red alert: Zespri's first commercial red kiwifruit crop heads offshore
New global market report tips red kiwifruit to gain market importance.
![$2 million a hectare: Gold kiwifruit orchards set new price record](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
$2 million a hectare: Gold kiwifruit orchards set new price record
But caution advised as economic headwinds threaten.
![Tauranga port profit up as supply chain woes continue](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga port profit up as supply chain woes continue
Profit is up but concerns linger.
![Infrastructure Commission weighs in on Tauranga port frustration](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Infrastructure Commission weighs in on Tauranga port frustration
RMA has 'severe' implications for infrastructure provision.
![New supply chain trouble looming as Tauranga port plan gets stuck](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
New supply chain trouble looming as Tauranga port plan gets stuck
A year of work progress lost in unsuccessful Government scheme bids.
![Chilled meat exports get a chop as shipping dilemmas demand new thinking](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Chilled meat exports get a chop as shipping dilemmas demand new thinking
Shipping woes tipped to continue for up to 18 months.
![Auckland port prices to rise, Tauranga port eyes peak levies](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Auckland port prices to rise, Tauranga port eyes peak levies
Cargo congestion at the two major ports an improvement on this time last year.
![Port of Tauranga posts 15% profit rise, but outlook 'uncertain'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Port of Tauranga posts 15% profit rise, but outlook 'uncertain'
Outlook for new financial year remains uncertain: new chief executive
![Did supply chain choke pressures figure in Tauranga infected ship tie-up decisions?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Did supply chain choke pressures figure in Tauranga infected ship tie-up decisions?
Managing public health risk top priority but MoH says trade matters too.
![Tauranga port's exposure to Covid ship erodes faith in system - port chair](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga port's exposure to Covid ship erodes faith in system - port chair
NZ's busiest port needs to be able to rely on Govt border security advice, says chairman.
![Tauranga port boss questions quality of Covid ship risk scrutiny](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga port boss questions quality of Covid ship risk scrutiny
Tauranga port looks forward to an investigation of govt agencies' assessment.
![Fonterra to roll out financial intentions: chairman](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Fonterra to roll out financial intentions: chairman
Shareholders mulling capital restructure plan want financial performance signposts.
![Zespri fails to get grower backing for China battle plan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Zespri fails to get grower backing for China battle plan
Zespri now working on new steps to fight potential brand damage in China.
![Horticulture has 'wall of work coming' and dwindling staff](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Horticulture has 'wall of work coming' and dwindling staff
One of NZ's fastest growing food sectors on a labour starvation diet.
![Fonterra capital restructure plan no shoo-in so far](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Fonterra capital restructure plan no shoo-in so far
Plan for keeping Fonterra's factories full of milk comes with plenty of questions.
![Meet the new face at the helm of Port of Tauranga](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Meet the new face at the helm of Port of Tauranga
New CEO Leonard Sampson has a full agenda - just don't mention fishing.
![An 'exceptional' business leader moves on](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
An 'exceptional' business leader moves on
Profit is not a dirty word, says this champion of the mixed ownership business model.
![Record export container load set, another to come](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Record export container load set, another to come
South Island exporters also to get relief as supply chain heavyweights join forces.
![Tauranga port's container volumes may not be as you'd think](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga port's container volumes may not be as you'd think
Stacks of imports containers destined for Auckland getting lower as rail power lifts.
![Port automation project, likely delay: Mayor expects 'transparent and frank explanation'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Port automation project, likely delay: Mayor expects 'transparent and frank explanation'
Mayor expects 'a frank and transparent explanation' if there is a delay.
![Juicy sales start to the new kiwifruit season](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Juicy sales start to the new kiwifruit season
Record breaking crop and strong global demand with Europe a new high point.
![New solar energy venture to grow electricity - and food](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
New solar energy venture to grow electricity - and food
Half a million solar panels to be built over 500 hectares of farms.
![Is Fonterra shooting itself in the foot?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Is Fonterra shooting itself in the foot?
Fonterra farmers will be thinking hard about removing a share demand source.
!['Further disruption to the NZ supply chain': Container shipping choke until late in year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Further disruption to the NZ supply chain': Container shipping choke until late in year
Lengthy waits still at Auckland as Tauranga handles very high export volumes.
![Tauranga port bulging with diverted Auckland imports](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga port bulging with diverted Auckland imports
Tauranga port container terminal operating at 101 per cent capacity: ideal 75 per cent.
![How Zespri plans to counter rogue gold fruit growing in China](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
How Zespri plans to counter rogue gold fruit growing in China
The risk of doing nothing to address rogue growing in China is significant, says Zespri.
![Fresh efforts to ease NZ's supply chain logjam](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Fresh efforts to ease NZ's supply chain logjam
First NZ rotation of new service will distribute thousands of empty containers.
![Port of Tauranga's profit rises over a bumpy six months](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Port of Tauranga's profit rises over a bumpy six months
Revenue rises 3 per cent even though cargo volumes down.