Major import gateway Ports of Auckland is in the process of replacing its manned straddle cranes with automated ones. The project was unable to be finished because of lockdown, but the port hopes to complete it in a few months. Potential port shutdowns in California could hamper New Zealand export shipments to the US, adding New Zealand's freight congestion woes. Port congestion is a worldwide phenomenon because of supply chain disruptions due to Covid and a global surge in demand for consumer goods. The port was left short of crane and straddle drivers when workers returned home during lockdown, and Edwards said he understood the port was making good progress on that front.

Source: Stuff January 22, 2021 20:00 UTC