Bay of Plenty Regional Council holds a shareholding in the Port of Tauranga through its investment arm, Quayside Holdings Limited.  The Port of Tauranga shareholding has proved to be a well performing asset for a number of years.  

As part of its Long Term Plan 2024-2034 deliberations, the Regional Council last year agreed to enable a managed sell-down of the 54.14 percent shareholding in the Port of Tauranga Limited to a minimum shareholding of 28 percent, subject to it approving the sale process and any conditions of sale of the shares.  

The direction to enable a managed sell down follows considerable specialist advice, consultation, hearings and deliberation and will enable the Regional Council to diversify its investment portfolio and reduce its portfolio risk. Proceeds from any share sale will be reinvested, to grow the dividends the Regional Council uses to reduce rates and improve services for the benefit of all ratepayers.

More information on the community consultation process is available on our Participate website: Long Term Plan 2024-2034 

Setting parameters 

On February 13, 2025 the Regional Council set parameters that will define how that shareholding can be partially divested by Quayside and its subsidiaries. The parameters provide Quayside with some conditions on how it can implement any sales and efficiently and effectively deliver on Council’s divestment objectives.     

The parameters include that Quayside optimise value from the sale of the shares, diversify its portfolio and reduce the Port of Tauranga’s concentration within the portfolio. The Regional Council also wants to ensure the Port of Tauranga continues to play a positive role in the Bay of Plenty region. 

Selling shares 

Now that Bay of Plenty Regional Council has set these parameters for a sale the shares can be sold. This does not mean a decision has been made to sell. Quayside may proceed with a sale when conditions permit, but there is no time frame to do so. 

The Regional Council, through Quayside, will remain a significant cornerstone and strategic shareholder in the Port through retaining at least a 28% shareholding.