When eligible company employees receive an annual ‘reward’ of $4,314 (in cash and Port shares), something is going right.

That’s the Christmas present Napier Port announced this week in releasing its latest annual financial results.

And what a welcome offset to Hawke’s Bay’s other big economic news of the week – our region (plus Gisborne) has the second highest unemployment rate in NZ, at 5.9%. Clearly parts of HB are buzzing, others are not.

The Port announced a 24.4% lift in net profit after tax for the year ended 30 September 2025, earning $30.9 million.

Part of that will be returned to HB’s local shareholders as dividends (14.5 cents per share, $29 million total), including $15.95 million to 55% shareholder HB Regional Council’s investment company. Consider a big chunk of that rates relief.

Overall revenue rose 11.6% to $157.7 million.

Referring to factors like Pan Pac’s return to full operations and a strong apple season, Chief Executive Todd Dawson said: “It is pleasing to see many of our region’s cargo owners, who produce the high-value food and fibre products we export, benefiting from good growing and improved market conditions during the year. 

“Our strategies focused on yield management and cost management, linked to the investments in our infrastructure and capability we have already made, are continuing to demonstrate strong operating leverage and earnings growth.”

Although the Port thrives on exports, even bulk import volume increased 23%, due to increased fertiliser and oil product imports. Hmmm, not a favourite of environmentalists … how about more solar panels and wind fan blades?

The only glum news (to some) was the downturn in FY25 cruise ship visits (78 from prior year 89), with fewer still arriving in the 2026 season (60 current bookings).

Otherwise, looking ahead, Dawson commented: “Napier Port is well positioned to continue its strong growth trajectory. The outlook for our regional food and fibre products remains strong, and we continue to benefit from a diverse and resilient cargo base.

“Our strategic initiatives are supporting our growth and earnings momentum, and we continue to invest into developing our operating capability and capacity with several transformational projects underway. We look forward to progressing these during the 2026 financial year.”