Providing a vital service for Tairāwhiti
We deliver the port operations and infrastructure that help Tairāwhiti thrive. These services are underpinned by our industry-leading approach to caring for and respecting the environment where we live and work.
What we do
As well as being New Zealand’s most efficient logging port, Eastland Port is also one of the largest. We’re a vital route to market for horticulture products, including squash and kiwifruit. We’re also home to local fishing and leisure boats, and welcome cruise ships throughout the summer season.
We have two main commercial shipping wharves, which have been upgraded to enable more efficient exports and open up new opportunities for containerisation.
Our operations include wharfside storage and container loading facilities, plus two additional storage yards, one located behind the Inner Harbour Precinct on Crawford Road and the other in Matawhero.
We are the joint owners of a debarking facility located on port.
The port also encompasses the Inner Harbour Precinct, which is a regional hub for marine operations, a popular community space and home to hospitality spots and tourist attractions.
The marina includes 43 berths and a free boat ramp (owned by Gisborne District Council).
We own a number of the waterside and commercial buildings that house local businesses, offices, restaurants and bars. Together with Gisborne District Council, we are proudly responsible for the management and maintenance of the inner harbour area.
Alongside operating Tairāwhiti’s port, we manage the region’s airport.
These are our values
OWN IT - We take charge of what we do. Whether things go well or not, we own our actions and decisions. We don’t wait for problems to fix themselves we step up and make things better
ABOVE & BEYOND - We don’t just do the bare minimum. We always look for ways to do more and create value for our team, customers, and community
MAKE IT HAPPEN - We get things done. Even if challenges come up, we stick to our word and find solutions
FAQs
Who owns Eastland Port?
Eastland Port’s operations include Gisborne Airport.
Eastland Port is 100% owned by Tairāwhiti Investments Ltd, which also owns 50% of Eastland Generation. Tairāwhiti Investments specialises in long-term regional infrastructure, and is the commercial arm of Trust Tairāwhiti.
Trust Tairāwhiti is the regional community trust, with a strategic focus on community initiatives, economic development and providing for future generations.
We aim to deliver consistent growth and excellent returns to Trust Tairāwhiti for the ultimate benefit of our community.
How many staff work at Eastland Port?
From tug masters and port protection to engineers and accountants, we have a variety of interesting roles at Eastland Port. In total there are over 90 staff. If you’re interested in working with us, click here.
Qube Ports also operate on our port who provide innovative stevedoring and marshalling services. They employ around 140 staff, if you are interested in working for them, click here.
What products do you export?
Our primary exports include logs and kiwifruit. With our Twin Berth upgrade now completed, we have the capacity and flexibility to offer containerisation options for all kinds of new export products.
Who are your service providers?
Qube Ports are the sole service provider for marshalling and stevedoring services on our port. They are the first point of contact when a log truck arrives to the port as each log is scaled by their staff. Stevedores load and scale cargo onto the ships using their mobile harbour cranes. Marshalling, as distinct from stevedoring, is receiving cargo from out in the region and loading and assembling it on the wharf ready to export.
Exporters and shipping lines serving Eastland Port are represented by agents responsible for co-ordinating shipping services, liaising with the Port staff, and servicing and maintaining vessels during their calls.
In our case, we have Dave from Ferguson Marine, Kevin from Eastland Shipping Ltd and Nautilis Shipping.
We have three approved provedores: Bay Provedores, East Coast Provedors and Price Provedors. They supply ships and vessels with supplies, provisions and equipment as required.
Who manages the arrival of cruise ships?
We manage the bookings, arrival/departures of all cruise ships arriving into our region and Trust Tairāwhiti manage tours and logistics on the ground to ensure everything runs smoothly.
History
The port is at the base of Titirangi, where the Tūranganui River flows into the bay. It has been an important voyaging and trading area for many centuries. The port’s commercial history dates back to 1872, when the public wharf was gazetted. Since then, its fortunes and growth have reflected the development of the Tairāwhiti region.
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Sustainability
For our businesses, sustainability is about acting in a way that benefits the environment and the communities we operate in – while at the same time creating value for our investors.
At Eastland Port, all our operations must follow detailed consent conditions. Every significant project has its own management plan and we carry out comprehensive environmental monitoring, which we regularly report on.
Our team continue to work on a range of environmental initiatives to help improve the health and mauri of the moana, awa and whenua that surround us.
Read more about our environmental practices here
