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1 October 2025

Port Nelson's Annual Results: $5.9 million dividend paid to councils

Port Nelson has continued to deliver on its purpose to facilitate regional prosperity amid an eventful 12 months with ongoing domestic economic challenges and global trading uncertainties, including a slowdown in key markets for our region. The Port’s underlying (excluding one-off non-cash adjustments) Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) result was $7.1 million, an increase of $900k on last year. Cargo volumes ended at similar levels to last year, 3.2 million tonnes, with the best performers including wine and sand partially offset by softer vehicle, cement and fruit volumes.

Port Nelson Chief Executive, Matt McDonald, says the Port is positioning for the future. "Cargo volumes have held steady for the past five years, even with ongoing economic challenges here and overseas. We’re working hard to make our operations more efficient and prepare for expected future cargo growth. The investments we’ve made this year will help us support our customers and our region well into the future.”

We are pleased to declare a full-year dividend of $5.9m to our shareholder, IHL (ultimate shareholders, Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council).

Highlights for the year include:

  • Opening Honomai, Marlborough's first Inland Port: Opened in February 2025, marking a significant milestone for regional trade and transport infrastructure.
  • Infrastructure and asset overview: Progress of critical infrastructure and asset projects, including progressing our slipway redevelopment and celebrating the arrival of New Zealand’s first electric dual-drive mobile harbour crane and our new pilot launch, Mānuka.
  • Relocating the Port’s VTA for improved safety: Prioritising safety by relocating the Vehicle Transfer Area (VTA) at Port Nelson this year, resulting in a reduction in near-miss incidents. 
  • Safety & emergency preparedness in the community: Strengthening our emergency preparedness through an ongoing emergency management project, including testing our systems during a large-scale regional simulation led by Fire and Emergency NZ.
  • Supporting Māori success and identity: Our ongoing commitment to building meaningful relationships with tangata whenua, including sponsorship of Te Huinga Whetū Ngā Kapa Haka Kura Tuarua o Aotearoa, providing our people with the opportunity to waka ama with Whakatū Marae and the gifting of ingoa Māori for key port assets.
  • Support for Te Tauihu community initiatives: The Port supported various community initiatives across Te Tauihu and provided $139,000 in sponsorship funds and in-kind contributions. Initiatives included Seagrass Regeneration, the Haulashore Island Trapping Project, New Zealand Riding for the Disabled and Blessing of the Fleet. 
  • Decreased carbon emissions: Carbon emissions continued to decline, down 36% for scope 1 and 2 and down 81% for scope 3 (since FY2019).

Looking ahead to FY2026, our focus is on improving profitability, enhancing safety, and continuing to invest in infrastructure to future-proof our operations. Our theme for the year ahead is Mahi Tahi - working together.

 

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