$3m Upgrade to Boost Disaster Relief Shipping Capacity Across New Zealand

The Rangitata played a critical role in disaster recovery efforts following Cyclone Gabrielle, when key road connections into Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay were severely damaged.

New Zealand’s ability to deliver vital supplies to communities cut off by natural disasters will be significantly strengthened through a $3 million Government investment into a major coastal bulk ship upgrade, Associate Transport Minister James Meager announced today.

The funding, provided through the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund, will upgrade the Rangitata — one of the country’s most strategically important coastal freight vessels — improving its ability to transport a wider range of essential cargo to more ports during emergencies.

Coastal Shipping a Lifeline When Roads Collapse

The Rangitata played a critical role in disaster recovery efforts following Cyclone Gabrielle, when key road connections into Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay were severely damaged.

“The ship was a major asset for Gisborne and Napier, carrying containers between the two when major road links were washed out,” Mr Meager said.

“This summer’s tragic storms have again underscored how important this infrastructure is.”

With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, coastal shipping is increasingly viewed as a core part of New Zealand’s national resilience network — ensuring communities can still access fuel, food, building supplies and emergency equipment when land transport fails.

“When land routes fail, coastal shipping becomes critical for making sure fuel, building materials and other vital supplies can still get to those in need,” Mr Meager said.

New Equipment to Expand Cargo and Port Access

The $3 million investment will fund the installation of a deck-mounted material handler — specialised machinery capable of loading and unloading bulk cargo directly from the vessel.

The equipment is expected to be operational by the end of 2026.

“This will mean the Rangitata can transport a wider range of bulk items and operate without relying on port-side cranes and infrastructure,” Mr Meager said.

That capability is especially important in post-disaster conditions, when port infrastructure may be damaged or unusable.

Supporting Smaller and More Vulnerable Ports

A major advantage of the upgrade is that it will allow the Rangitata to access smaller ports — often the most vulnerable during emergencies — including those where road and rail connections can be cut off for extended periods.

“The ship can access smaller ports which are particularly vulnerable during natural disasters,” Mr Meager said.

“It can deliver bulk supplies directly to communities which may have been isolated for days.”

This makes the vessel a key logistical asset for remote and coastal regions that face prolonged isolation following major storms, earthquakes or infrastructure failures.

Self-Powered Resilience Anywhere in the Country

Unlike land-based cargo equipment, the new material handler will be powered directly from the ship itself, allowing operations to continue even in ports where electricity supply or loading systems are compromised.

“Another key advantage is the material handler is powered directly from the ship, rather than from land, so it remains available wherever the vessel is deployed,” Mr Meager said.

Building a More Resilient Transport System

The investment reflects the Government’s broader focus on strengthening core infrastructure and improving national preparedness for climate-driven disasters.

“We are a Government dedicated to fixing the basics, delivering results, and building the future,” Mr Meager said.

“That’s exactly what this investment does. It will strengthen our country’s resilience and improve our ability to bounce back from devastating natural events.”

The upgrade is expected to enhance emergency response logistics while also supporting long-term freight efficiency across New Zealand’s coastal shipping network.