Goods may be delayed

Wellington: Shipping lines are reported to be cutting services to New Zealand which could means goods wanted for Christmas may not make it.

The Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation said demand for space on ships was up 25% on a year ago, which was expected to increase in the runup to Christmas.

Chief executive Rosemarie Dawson said some shipping lines had begun bypassing New Zealand to reduce delays in their own schedules, with no plans to add extra services.

The situation was not helped by industrial action in Australia, which had created disruptions for vessels leaving Sydney for New Zealand, she said. — RNZ