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Due to severe weather, parts of the lower South Island are experiencing delivery delays. Central Otago - Queenstown Cromwell is experiencing road closures due to adverse weather. Dunedin and its surrounding areas are experiencing heavy rain, snow and flood resulting in road closures. We are advised that current road closures and restrictions additionally affect State Highway 1 (North of Oamaru), 88 (Port Chalmers to Sawyers Bay), 85 (Alexandra, to Kyeburn Palmerston), 87 (Kyeburn to Outram), Lindis Pass (Omarama to Tarras), and 86 (Allanton to Momona). Please expect delays, and get in touch with the Hobbs Global Team if any questions.

As advised in June 2025, Ports of Auckland have now confirmed that they will be pushing out the second part of their VBS (Vehicle Booking System) Fee increases effective 1st July 2026. These increases will see further hikes in VBS charges across the board, with intent to continue to encourage carriers towards off-peak collections and operational cost recovery. Customers will see container cartage costs increase accordingly as of 1st July 2026 to recover these increases. Please get in touch with the Hobbs Global Team to discuss how we can better navigate your freight forwarding process to help minimize these costs where possible. Full pricing can be viewed under 'Receival and Delivery' at: Price schedules | Port of Auckland For details of our original post in June Part 1 in October, see:  Port of Auckland VBS Fee Increase - Hobbs Global Confirmed: Ports of Auckland VBS Fee Increase - 1st January 2026 - Hobbs Global

The New Zealand Fuel Response Plan has been announced today by the Minister of Finance and Minister of Energy. The plan includes four phases with the aim to minimise disruption as fuel supply continues to be affected due to the conflict in the Middle East. These range from normal supply through to protected distribution in the event of severe disruption. Tools have been outlined to prioritise essential services if the need arises. More details will be developed over the coming weeks to illustrate issues relating to specific sectors. Consideration is being given to jet fuel, diesel (including marine fuels) and petrol supply with differing steps in the plan. This could mean we see different phases applied to different fuels at different times subject to availability of supply and essential use. Further information can be found at the below links. Middle East conflict and New Zealand's fuel stocks | Ministry of Business, Innovation Employment Fuel plan to protect economy amid disruption | Beehive.govt.nz Hobbs Global will continue to monitor the situation on a day-by-day basis, as we have been doing for a number of weeks now. At this stage, while a response plan has been set, indications are that fuel supply is stable (albeit continuing to increase in price) and normal usage patterns should still be followed. The volatile nature of the market means we can expect fuel prices to remain high for airfreight, sea freight and domestic trucking movements with various Emergency Fuel/Bunker Surcharges in place. If you have any questions about how this may affect your supply chain, please reach out to the Hobbs Global Team.