Ports Of Auckland Row Damaging To Economy

The Maritime Union says the Ports of Auckland is too
important to the country to be drawn into a local power
struggle.

Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown today stated
he was currently working on replacing the Board of POAL
following public disagreements about the performance and
future of the Ports.

Maritime Union Auckland Branch
Secretary Russell Mayn says it would be a mistake to remove
the current Board and a more constructive discussion was
needed.

“There are legitimate different views on the
future direction of the Ports, but we can’t let its
strategic value to Auckland and New Zealand be
damaged.”

He says that the current Board and
Management have engaged with the workforce and the Ports had
a positive future.

“There has been a new focus on
good workplace relations and a higher quality of health and
safety skill sets on the current Board.”

This was
reflected in the recent improved performance of the
Ports.

Mr Mayn says the Ports of Auckland should not
been viewed as simply a money making venture in
itself.

“While POAL can and will deliver returns to
its owners, the people of Auckland, it has a much greater
value in serving as the major import port of New
Zealand.”

Mr Mayn says the Ports are only just
recovering from the multiple hits of the failed automation
project, COVID and global shipping disruptions.

“The
primary goal now should be stability and ensuring a secure
supply chain, which means we need to continue the current
progress at the Ports of
Auckland.”

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