Wellington, Oct 11 NZPA - A rise in business through the Ports of Auckland is being seen as a hopeful sign for the economy.

Overall container volumes were up nearly 8 percent in the first quarter, compared to a year earlier, with full import containers up more than 10 percent, and full export containers up 4 percent, managing director Jens Madsen said today.

During the three months to the end of September trans-shipment volumes increased by more than 15 percent reflecting growing use of Ports of Auckland as a North Island hub port.

Vehicle units were up by more than 25 percent, including cars, trucks and equipment such as farm machinery.

"The increase in import volumes is reflective of the buying appetite of New Zealanders, and could be seen as encouraging as the country works its way out of the 2008/09 recession," Mr Madsen said.

The cruise ship season, which will start on Friday, has 79 scheduled visits to Auckland, up from 62 visits through the last financial year.