About Us

The Shippers Council was formed in 1983 as the Bulk and Homogeneous Shippers Inc to represent shippers when port and shipping interests were seeking legislation which would give them control of the waterfront industry.

In 1994 the association adopted the New Zealand Shippers’ Council as its name to more clearly describe its role, interests and influence as major cargo owners.

The Council represents importers and exporters and offers membership to both corporations and shipper organisations.

Members make their own, often confidential, commercial arrangements they may pool information or use the collective bargaining force of the Council.

Membership of the Council includes companies and organisations with major interest in industries such as forestry, wood products, fruit, steel, dairy, meat and pulp and paper.

Major cargo owners, industry groups or organisations of owners that directly or indirectly pay the cost of shipping* can join the Shippers Council.

*”Shipping” includes cargo handling and transportation by land, sea or air from source to final destination.