Reports said that shipping and business groups say a proposed merger of New Zealand's largest ports will cut costs.
The Ports of Auckland and Ports of Tauranga say they are in advanced discussions about working together, making savings for exporters through a more efficient supply chain.
The Employers' & Manufacturers' Association agrees the merger has the potential to reduce costs.
The association says they could keep the land but publicly float the combined company, freeing ratepayers' money for investment in other areas.
The talks come as Danish shipping company Maersk reviews the option of dealing with a single port in the North and South Islands.
Source: Radio NZ