Imports:

• Port of Tauranga and Auckland are reinstating berth windows for scheduled vessel calls, which is a positive response as schedule disruption has eased considerably on most routes worldwide.
• Auckland container depot congestion has eased over the past fortnight due to a softening of import container volumes, but underlying resourcing and capacity issues still exist. Local carriers are not yet achieving pre-pandemic service level agreements for dehire turnaround, but the average timespan to dehire from empty notification has improved.
• MPI applications take several days to be processed, and early clearance document submission is appreciated as it helps in spreading the load.
• Some MPI import health standards are being revised, affecting the imports of fish and wood products. Clarification on changes and any new documents required is being worked on, and affected customers will be contacted directly as more information becomes available.

Exports:

• Cargo moving north from the Hawke’s Bay region must transit via Fielding due to Cyclone Gabrielle, adding significant cost and impacting lead times to meet port deadlines.
• Limited freight convoys will have restricted access to State Highway 5 starting March 15th, but access is expected to be extended in the coming weeks.