Auckland Council is getting more money out of Port of Auckland than previously expected

The port has announced a 22-percent increase in annual underlying profit.

It's paying the council a 40-million dollar dividend -- five million more than previously expected.

Chief Executive Roger Gray says it's a great result for the council, given the sharp decline in the volumes of many goods coming in and out of the country.

He says Auckland Council Chief Executive Phil Wilson, is welcoming the high dividend.