Northport Group Ltd

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Northport Group Ltd

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We own Northland's deep-water port at Marsden Point near Whangārei.

We also own Marsden Cove Marina and boatyard, and 180 hectares of port-adjacent, greenfield commercial and industrial development land at Marsden Point available for long-term lease.

10/11/2026

There's a lot more to getting a log from a Northland forest to an international customer than meets the eye.

Recently, members of the Northport team headed into the Mahurangi Forest near Warkworth to see Matariki Forests' harvesting operations first-hand.

From some seriously impressive machinery to the people, planning and processes behind the operation, it was a fascinating insight into an industry that remains a cornerstone of Northland's economy. And a vital part of the supply chain that brings timber products through Northport, out to world markets.

One of the more unusual sights was a worksite where land was being cleared for the next stage of the Northern Corridor – the SH1 upgrade between Warkworth and Te Hana.

We were also impressed by the strong focus on health and safety and environmental compliance across the operations. It's a reminder that there's a lot of skill, technology and care involved in getting the job done.

Timber remains the mainstay of Northport's business even as we continue to grow the range of cargo we handle, including containerised imports and exports. We're proud to play our part in connecting Northland's forestry industry with the world.

A big thank you to Peter Yardley (Ava Timber) and Ryan Drummond (Matariki Forests) for hosting our team. ^PH

22/10/2026

It was a warm Northland “welcome home” to HMNZS Te Mana and HMNZS Aotearoa yesterday, with both ships returning to NZ from deployment.

Following her participation in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), HMNZS Te Mana undertook maritime security patrols in North Asia to help prevent breaches and evasions of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions, as part of a combined effort with partners.

Aotearoa, the navy’s Polar-class sustainment vessel, undertook sustainment activities for Te Mana and partner nations’ vessels.

Te Mana is the Royal New Zealand Navy's second Anzac Class frigate. This was her first deployment in support of UNSC sanctions monitoring.

Both ships departed Northport yesterday evening, bound for Auckland. ^PH

20/10/2026

Job Opportunity | Maintenance Planning and Delivery Lead

We’re currently looking for an experienced maintenance leader to take our maintenance planning and delivery to the next level.

This is an opportunity to lead and coordinate our mechanical, electrical, facilities maintenance and grounds functions, while driving the implementation and ongoing development of our Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS).

Working across a busy commercial port environment, you’ll bring structure, forward planning and continuous improvement to the way we maintain our assets. You’ll have real scope to strengthen asset reliability, improve maintenance performance and build a more proactive, data-driven maintenance culture.

If this role is of interest to you, or anyone you know, please go to the ‘Situations Vacant’ section of our website to learn more: https://northport.co.nz/jobvacancies ^PH

18/10/2026

Did you know that most Orca visits to Whangārei harbour occur at this time of year – during Spring? On the other hand, dolphins gather predominantly during Winter.

Orca visit more frequently than some might imagine. Data from a specialist acoustic detection system and tracker installed by Northport on a moored buoy in Marsden Bay, near the Whangārei Harbour entrance, show that Orca visited Whangārei harbour 38 times over 23 days between September 2024 and September 2026.

The technology from New Zealand acoustics firm Cetaware reports in real time the presence of marine mammals visiting the harbour. Following a successful trial it has replaced acoustic devices where recorded information had to be retrieved manually every few months.

The system is a ‘passive’ listening device. It detects the sounds that whales and dolphins make without using any form of sonar or underwater signal. It identifies the species of animal and sends that information, instantaneously, to any internet-enabled device.

It’s highly accurate (99%) and has an impressive confirmed detection range of more than 2.5km for dolphins and 2.7km for Orca in our busy environment, with consistently high levels of vessel traffic and buoy movement.

This technology has changed our marine mammal monitoring capability. Because the information is supplied in real time we can manage potential operational interactions with marine mammals.

Now that we have completed the trial of the Cetaware system we intend to make the readings it collects accessible on our website. We’ll post about this once it’s available. ^PH

12/10/2026

Work continues with the integration of the Northport and former Marsden Maritime Holdings businesses under the banner of Northport Group Ltd.

Definitely the most visible sign of this integration is the relocation this week of the former Marsden Maritime Holdings office to the port precinct. This is an important step towards bringing our teams together.

Significantly, the move also frees up space along the intended corridor for the proposed Marsden Point rail spur. This week’s relocation is, therefore, yet another step towards that important rail connection.

Integrating our port with the land and assets of the former Marsden Maritime Holdings business has created new opportunities for Northport Group to develop business strategies that will enhance our region’s supply chain infrastructure and industrial capability.

We’re confident that, over time, these will deliver significant benefit for Northland and its people, and support this region’s ambition to become a $60 billion economy by 2050. ^PH

30/09/2026

It was a great result for our Marsden Cove team at the New Zealand Marina Operators Association annual awards last week!

Marsden Cove Marina was Highly Commended in the Marina of the Year category, while Marsden Cove Boatyard was Highly Commended in Boatyard of the Year.

The judges recognised the quality of our facilities, our welcoming team, our strong customer community and the care that goes into both the marina and boatyard.

We said it in an earlier post but it’s worth saying again - this recognition is testament to the hard work and dedication of our marina and boatyard teams, and to the support of our customers and community over the years. Our sincere thanks and congratulations go to them.

Big congratulations, too, to the winners in both categories – and to all the other marinas and boatyards shortlisted. It was great to be recognised alongside such a strong group of operators.

Two Highly Commended awards. And plenty to be proud of! ^PH

24/09/2026

We've swapped our house flag for the Red Ensign today to mark World Maritime Day. It's a small but visible acknowledgement of the importance of the maritime industry and the people who keep it moving.

The Red Ensign is the recognised flag of New Zealand’s merchant shipping fleet and is also widely used as a symbol of our maritime heritage.

The day, established by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), highlights the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and protection of the marine environment, while drawing attention to a particular aspect of the IMO’s work each year.

For Northport, these priorities are part of everyday operations. As a busy commercial port we have a responsibility to operate safely and securely, protect the marine environment and continually look for ways to improve the way we work.

Today is an opportunity to recognise the people across the maritime sector who, each and every day, turn policies, standards and commitments into practical action.

Happy World Maritime Day from all of us at Northport. ^PH

23/09/2026

Job Opportunity | Environmental & Sustainability Officer
Job Opportunity | Port Services Officer

There are currently two vacancies at Northport. We’re looking for a Port Services Officer and an Environmental and Sustainability Officer.

The Port Services Officer position has become vacant due to an internal promotion, and the Environmental & Sustainability Officer is a newly-created position within our expanding team.

If you or anyone you know are interested in either of these positions please go to the ‘Situations Vacant’ section of our website to learn more: https://northport.co.nz/jobvacancies ^PH

23/09/2026

Northport Group Ltd has strengthened its team with the appointment of four new employees across its accounting, health and safety and boatyard operations.

Paola Child has joined Northport as Group Corporate Accountant, bringing 30 years’ experience in the accounting profession across a variety of industries. She spent 10 years as Management Accountant at Refining New Zealand/Channel Infrastructure before becoming an Associate with BDO Northland Limited. A member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, Paola joined Northport in July this year.

John Lumby has been appointed Group Health and Safety Manager. He has worked extensively in primary industry and industrial/manufacturing settings and, before joining the Northport team, ran a health and safety consultancy providing advice and training across the upper North Island, with Northport as a client. Before this he was the Health and Safety Officer at a sawmill in Waipu.

In his new role John will focus on driving Northport’s health and safety objectives, raising standards of practice and compliance, and developing a combined and unified system across the Group for employees, contractors and facility users.

Shane Rauner joins Northport as a Marina Operations Maintenance Technician, bringing more than 30 years’ boating experience and a strong practical background in engineering, fabrication, marine work, maintenance and repairs. He has his Boat Masters ticket and has extensive marina experience through previous roles at Gulf Harbour, Westhaven, Tauranga Bridge and Seaview.

Ryan Johnson has also joined the Group as a Boatyard Operator, bringing experience in yard operations, machinery and equipment, and automotive mechanics. He holds a Level 2 qualification in mechanics, along with first aid and safety qualifications.

We extend a warm Northport welcome to each of our new colleagues, and appreciate their contributions to the growth and success of the Group. ^PH

23/09/2026

We’re delighted that Marsden Cove Marina – a Northport Group business – is a finalist in not one but two categories of this year’s New Zealand Marina Operators Association Awards: ‘Marina of the Year’ and ‘Boatyard of the Year’.

This is testament to the hard work and dedication of our marina and boatyard teams, and to the support of our customers and community over the years. Thank you, one and all!

Huge congratulations to the other finalists nominated for these awards. We look forward to celebrating the excellence of our marine services sector with all involved when the awards are announced on 24 September. ^PH

Address

21 Ralph Trimmer Drive
Ruakaka
0171

Website

https://northport.co.nz/homep

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