The mission of the Port Industry Association are set out in the objects of the Association and can be found in the Constitution of the Association.

The core objects of the Association are:

•  to promote the interests of members within the port sector and industry generally;
  
  
•  to promote and encourage the highest standards of management and supervision among members, including industry training programmes;
  
  
•  to promote and maintain high standards of safety in all port activities;
  
  
•  to promote improved techniques and equipment for cargo handling;
  
  
•  to promote the views of the Association on industrial and operational matters;
  
  
•  to promote corporate and/or individual representative membership of national and international organisations where appropriate and pertinent to the port industry;
  
  
•  to act as adviser or consultant in respect of any of the above matters to any of the members of the Association or other persons whether in New Zealand or overseas;