A second strike by more than 300 workers is to go ahead at the port in Auckland on Friday night.
Members of the Maritime Union have been involved in an industrial dispute with Ports of Auckland over their collective contract.
The groups were involved in mediation for most of Friday but it ended without a deal being struck.
The Maritime Union says it made giant steps in some areas in the negotiations.
But it says the meeting ended when the chief executive of the company refused to stop sending messages out to union members.
Ports of Auckland estimates the 24-hour strike from 10.30pm on Friday and industrial action which ended earlier this week will cost it more than $2 million.
A spokesperson for the company says they plan to meet for talks again next week.
Warning for ratepayers
Ports of Auckland Ltd is owned by Auckland Council Investments Ltd, a council-controlled investment company.
Auckland councillor Christine Fletcher says the industrial action could start to affect ratepayers if a deal is not reached soon. On Thursday the council voted 12-9 to support the Port of Auckland board.
Mrs Fletcher says the city has to have a viable commercial port and is worried the loss of a $20 million contract is just the start of the misery.
If the port loses more business, it could lead to lower dividends for the council, she warns.
