Seeka Invests in Expansion of Gisborne Produce Hub

5 October 2026
Seeka Invests in Expansion of Gisborne Produce Hub
Seeka Limited [SEK] will invest approximately $15.5 million into the Gisborne region,
following an approval to progress a tenancy agreement with Gisborne District Council. The
investment will include the development of a packhouse and coolstore facility adjacent to
existing Gisborne operations to support local growers, create jobs and provide additional
produce handling and storage capacity for the region.
The new facility will create a regional produce hub serving Gisborne and the wider East
Coast. It is expected to create approximately five permanent positions and up to 70 seasonal
and casual roles, while providing growers with access to local fruit handling, packing,
coolstore and operational infrastructure.
Seeka Chief Executive Michael Franks said the investment reflects Seeka's commitment to
the Gisborne region and its growers.
"This investment will provide infrastructure that supports growers and horticultural
production in the region. It will create jobs, support local economic activity and help keep
fruit handling and storage closer to where produce is grown."
The facility will provide growers with local packing and coolstore services, enabling fruit to
be packed and stored within the region before being shipped to market, helping reduce the
impact when transport routes experience disruptions.
The investment will also support increased utilisation of Eastland Port and regional export
activity while significantly growing kiwifruit handling capability to support growing kiwifruit
production ensuring local growers have access to local packing and storage facilities, staffed
by locals, available when they need it.
Gisborne already plays an important role in Seeka's operations. During the 2026 season,
Seeka handled approximately 2.5 million trays of SunGold kiwifruit from the region,
alongside a growing volume of RubyRed kiwifruit, persimmons and citrus.
The investment aligns with Seeka's strategy of regional investment in high-quality assets in
the regions where the crops are produced, taking pressure off transport infrastructure and
providing resilience in adverse weather events.
The company recently reported a record six-month profit, reduced debt and increased full-
year earnings guidance while continuing to invest in automation, operational capability and
infrastructure across the business.
For further information please contact:
Michael Franks
Seeka Chief Executive Officer
+64 21 356 516