The Port of Tauranga is today celebrating the millionth container passing through its terminal in one year.
Transport Minister and Tauranga MP Simon Bridges has congratulated the Port of Tauranga at the celebration this morning.
"The Port of Tauranga is a leading New Zealand port for container throughput and the largest port in terms of volume in New Zealand. It's great to be able to mark this milestone and acknowledge the economic benefits the port brings to the wider Bay of Plenty economy," Mr Bridges said.
In the six months to December 31, the volume of imports passing through Port of Tauranga increased by seven per cent, while exports increased by nine per cent.
Chief executive Mark Cairns said the momentous occasion was reached on June 6.
"We are the first port in New Zealand to reach the milestone.
"We have gone from a small, insignificant regional port to the largest port in New Zealand by a good margin."