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