"We've had a lot of food from staff who think the foodbank is a fantastic cause at this time of year," he said.
Every year the port staff nominate a cause, and the management team decides a primary and secondary cause to support at Christmas.
Mr Cairns said he was delighted to be able to help the foodbank during this time of year.
Nicki Goodwin, Tauranga Community Foodbank manager, said the donation was one of the bigger ones they had received this year and they were very grateful because it was the busiest time of the year and everything cent and donation counted.
The Christmas spirit had reached every corner of the community yesterday, she said.
"We had a woman come in who had received food parcels from the foodbank for five years, she had needed help several times a year, obviously at different times.
"But she came in with her family and gifted us back boxes and boxes of food and drink and said it was to say thanks for the assistance her and her family had received in the past."
Mrs Goodwin said the gesture showed the genuine need for the foodbank and the real appreciation of those who received help.
