E:PO T - Readying for the future - Port Nelson
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E:PO T
Readying
for the future
MARCH 2019
F OM
CONTENTS
THE CEO
As we reflect on a successful 2018 which saw another record-
3 New Director welcomed breaking year of 121,483 TEU and $67.2 million revenue earned
to the Board in the financial year, it is important to continue the momentum
3 Cruise season shines and focus on strategic growth and resilience for the future.
A few short months in and 2019 has Looking further ahead, 2019 is going
already been demanding with a bumper to be an exciting year with the recent
READYING FOR THE FUTURE cruise and superyacht season, earlier $29 million commitment Port Nelson
than usual starts to the apple and wine has made toward capital investment to
4 Capital investment to
facilitate regional growth seasons, the commencement of a future-proof the Port and in doing so,
number of redevelopment projects and facilitate regional growth. As you will
5 Safe navigation of ships is introduction of new technologies across read in this issue, the investment will
top priority the Port. fund a much needed redevelopment of
Main Wharf North, purchase of simulator
6 Building a resilient wharf for The hot summer has kept our Harbour
technologies and the purchase of a
the future Master and Coastguard busy with the
Damen ASD Tug 2411. These new assets
community enjoying sunny days by the
and upgrades are essential to ensure
7 Vision and vigour: a brief beach or in the water, and Tasman Bay
Port Nelson meets the demand of larger
history hosting significant events like the annual
vessels calling at the port, as well as
Port Nelson Sea Swims and International
lifting earthquake resilience.
Flying Dutchman Sailing championships.
8 Driving an agile innovation As ever, the commitment and enthusiasm
The extended dry spell has also meant
culture of our staff who have hit the new year
challenging times for the region, with
running, enable our drive for continuous
unprecedented fires in Pigeon Valley
9 Staff profiles improvement and internal journey to
causing damage to farmland and export
excellence.
11 Nelson Tasman – where the forestry plots, evacuations and unease in
ordinary is extraordinary the community, and drought conditions I hope you enjoy reading this latest issue
impacting regional primary industry such of Re:Port: Readying for the future.
12 Batting for the community as apples, hops and wine. While the full
impact is still to be assessed, it has been
12 Port Nelson recognised heartening to see the community come
among global super ports together to aid each other and all of us
at Port Nelson will work to support our Martin Byrne
13 40th anniversary Port
Industry Association customers and community as appropriate Chief Executive Officer
conference heads to Nelson and where required. Port Nelson
14 Swinging into action
15 Nelson Volunteer Coastguard
15 Safety on our seas
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Re:Port is proudly produced by HotHouse Creative
(www.hothouse.co.nz), Fiona Terry (Writer) and
Tim Cuff Photography (www.timcuff.com).
Blessing of the fleet ceremony 2018
2 PO T NELSON RE:PO T MARCH 2019
Cruise season
shines
If feedback from cruise ship passengers
visiting Nelson is anything to go by, there’s
a buoyant future for the region in terms of
popularity among those touring the oceans
looking for special experiences.
And judging by the locals who gather to watch some of the
New Director vessels arrive, the excitement isn’t limited to those on board.
“The feedback we get from passengers is that they love
welcomed to the Board coming here,” says Gisela Purcell, Visitor Destination Manager
at the Nelson Regional Development Agency. “People seem
to really enjoy the diversity of activities the region offers,
Geoff Dangerfield joins Port Nelson as a from visiting the national parks, to wine tasting tours, cycling,
member of the Board of Directors at an exciting and cultural city experiences – there’s so much to do here.
The crews enjoy their visits too, and hopefully they’ll spread
point in the organisation’s development, he says.
word to their guests about what a fabulous place this is.”
“In my short time on the Board there’ve been some critical By the time the current season comes to an end in March,
infrastructure investments coming across the table and it’s been McGlashen Quay will have welcomed eight visits by such
great to be involved in that,” he says. “Although I knew before I vessels, enabling over 5,000 passengers and 3,000 crew to
started how important the Port is to the wellbeing of the top of the access the region – a significant boost to the local economy
South Island, being in this role has reinforced for me the critical through expenditure in the region estimated for 2018 – 2019
role it plays in the regional economy.” alone to be worth $2 million.
As former Chief Executive of New Zealand Transport Agency Nelson tends to attract high-end luxury, boutique cruises, as
(NZTA), Geoff is no stranger to the industry. “The reason I was well as a number of visiting superyachts. The largest vessel
interested in a role with Port Nelson is that I’m keen on how the in terms of passenger numbers has been the Maasdam,
whole transport system works, ports in particular. Port Nelson is which carries 1,200 in addition to a crew of 580. With the
incredibly important to its hinterland, so it has to be as efficient as improvements to Main Wharf and the larger towage capacity
it can be to provide a good service to exporters and others. afforded by the new tug boat’s arrival, the Port will be even
better equipped to accommodate larger vessels of this kind.
“There are challenges of course – like how it continues to grow and
fulfill its role in the transport system, but this is a good operation, “We like to ensure everyone gets a happy visit here,” says
with dedicated staff working hard to provide a good service.” Harbour Master Dave Duncan. “That includes providing easy
access to the city, helicopters, tour buses and being really
In addition, Geoff – who replaces Steve Sanderson – chairs
aware of the expectations. The customer service for those
the Audit and Risk Committee of Oranga Tamariki, Ministry for
getting on and off the ships has improved considerably and
Children, and also the Major Outsourced Contracts Advisory
that’s come with practise.”
Board for the Department of Corrections. He also serves as
Executive Chair for the New Zealand Festival, and is Director
on Payments New Zealand Limited, as well as Wellington Water
Limited. He also runs his own consultancy working with private
and public sector clients.
Prior to his seven years at NZTA he was the Chief Executive of the
Ministry of Economic Development, with six years experience too
as Deputy Secretary to The Treasury. From 1993 to 1995 he was
We like to ensure everyone gets
Advisor to the Prime Minister, and earlier still was Economic and a happy visit here.
Financial Analyst/Manager to The Treasury. Dave Duncan, Harbour Master
Geoff, who holds an MSc in Resource Management, in 2016 was
awarded the Companion of the Queen's Service Order for services
to the State. He is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors,
a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, and a
Companion Member of Engineering New Zealand.
With a passion for the outdoors, the father of three enjoys
tramping, boating, mountain biking and skiing, as well as having
a keen interest in the performing arts.
The Maasdam arrives into Port Nelson. Photo by Karen Morris
READYING FO THE FUTU E
Capital investment to facilitate regional growth
Over the last three years the number of containers handled at Port Nelson has grown by over 25%,
the amount of vessel visits has risen by 7.5%, and the size of the ships calling has increased too.
It’s therefore essential the infrastructure at Port Nelson grows too With the new tug boat and longer facility once the upgrade to Main
in order for it to remain a thriving regional gateway, and that’s one Wharf North is complete (see page 6), Port Nelson will be much
reason why the imminent arrival of the new tug boat (also see better placed to receive vessels of this size or even larger in future.
page 6) is so crucial. And as the infrastructure grows, so too do career opportunities.
“We regularly receive ships of around 240m in length, but all of our “With two big tugs – the Tōia and the new vessel – we will have
container lines are looking to increase vessel sizes as volumes have enough capacity to handle the big ships and also increase the
increased,” says General Manager Operations Matt McDonald. safety margin on the smaller ones, given the increase in power,”
says Harbour Master Dave Duncan. “That’s an important factor
The largest container vessel ever to have called at Port Nelson was
for us.
the Harrier Hunter in March 2018, at 262m-long. To accommodate
this, all three tugs were deployed – the Tōia, Huria Matenga and the “There will be training for the pilots and tug masters, giving chance
WH Parr, and some very tight restrictions were involved around the for those coming through to be part of that growth in the future.”
time of day it could dock, according to tides and weather conditions.
Playing a role in assisting with this will be the Kongsberg Bridge
“Having those kind of restrictions is not a realistic way to operate a Simulator, installed at the marine training department of Nelson
regular shipping service,” says Matt. Marlborough Institute of Technology – which creates a highly
realistic simulation of the harbour as seen from a ship, creating
Given that only a portion of Main Wharf is usable for loading and
a 270-degree view from a virtual bridge, including wharves and
unloading vessels, there were further restrictions around which
main navigational hazards. A new tidal modelling programme has
part of the Harrier Hunter would be accessible to the cranes in
been purchased for this by the Port to further enhance training
Nelson for safe depositing of the containers portside. As a result it
opportunities, and in addition, a simulator at the NZ Maritime
was necessary for some to be moved into position on board while
School in Auckland is proving useful too.
docked at the previous port, causing double-handling and extra
expense for the shipping line. Simulation is not only useful in preparing staff for everyday
situations, but also in providing opportunities to extend their skills
range to cover extreme conditions, which is a real benefit for
safety. That’s one reason why further equipment of this kind has
now also been purchased – a Liebherr Crane simulator. Due to be
delivered in April, it will mean that training is not restricted to the
availability of the working cranes on the port side, but that instead
staff can use it at any time and simulate all kinds of weather and
loading or unloading situations.
“I think it’s a very exciting period where we’re setting the Port up for
the next 50 years,” adds Dave.
We regularly receive ships of around
240m in length, but all of our container
lines are looking to increase vessel
sizes as volumes have increased.
Matt McDonald, General Manager Operations
The Harrier Hunter makes its way into Port Nelson, March 2018
4 PO T NELSON RE:PO T MARCH 2019
Safe navigation of
ships is top priority
With nearly 900 vessel visits to Port Nelson
in 2018, the marine team are kept on their
toes facilitating their successful passage,
which not only safeguards the vessels
themselves but protects our coastline too.
The Polar Ecuador berths at Port Nelson's Main Wharf South.
In keeping with having the ability to accommodate bigger ships, Photo by Eugene Beneke
and tying-in with the purchase of the new tug and redevelopment
of Main Wharf North, concepts are now also being drawn up to
create a more ideal approach and access to the Port.
The works proposed under the Resource Consent application
“At present we’re fairly limited in our capacity to safely bring in would include removing an arc in the approach to The Cut, giving
larger vessels, so to continue to service the lines we have calling vessels a simpler line of approach, as well as increasing the scope
that have approached us regarding bigger ships, we’re currently for turning vessels inside the lee of Haulashore Island, which offers
scoping a Resource Consent to complete Capital Dredging, some protection from the wind, rather than turning them in the
likely in three new areas, just outside our existing footprint,” area near the wharf, called the ‘swing basin’.
says Environmental Officer Kelly Leonard.
Investigations are currently underway to understand the changes
The proposed work is all beneath high water, so no visible changes to the physical environment, including the effect on tidal currents,
would be evident, should the Resource Consent be granted. That as well as any potential ecological aspects, with both the Cawthron
includes the areas adjacent to the Boulder Bank and Haulashore Island, Institute, and MetOcean engaged as part of this.
which from above the watermark will remain as they currently appear.
Workshops will be run to share the findings of the scientific
“There’s no overall deepening required either,” adds Kelly. “What information – including with iwi, environmental stakeholders and
we’re proposing is to dredge three new areas that run alongside members of the public – with opportunities for feedback to create
the width we’re currently allowed to remove sediment from to collaborative outcomes, and to raise any areas of concern.
increase the safety margins for larger vessels and expand the safe
“These ships are going to come to New Zealand and if we can’t accept
operating windows in terms of weather.
them we’ll be restricted to receiving only the smaller ships,” adds Kelly.
“This is all about the safe navigation of ships. Everyone remembers “That adds time and costs for our regional exporters to then have
the photos from Rena – we know what happens when ships don’t their produce moved to larger vessels elsewhere, so it’s important we
navigate safely.” continue to serve the region as best we can and don’t get left behind.”
Dredge outlines are subject to change
PO T NELSON RE:PO T MARCH 2019 5
Building a resilient wharf for the future
Work to rebuild Port Nelson’s Main Wharf North will adjoin Main Wharf South, which was rebuilt in 1998 and
to which a further 60m was added in 2008. Once this latest
is scheduled to begin in May, with completion redevelopment is complete, the entire length of the heavy-duty
earmarked for June 2020. 280m stretch will simply be known as Main Wharf.
The multi-million dollar investment will see the century-old wooden “Completion of the new section will enable us to service larger
structure replaced with a robust concrete and steel berthing vessels without having any movement or efficiency issues,”
facility, that will not only enable larger vessels to dock and be adds Allanagh.
serviced efficiently, but is also designed to withstand the impact Another significant advantage of the new wharf area will be that
of earthquakes. it is to be constructed to such exacting standards it will improve
The upgrade comes as part of a $29 million package to future-proof earthquake resilience for the region, allowing movements of goods
the Port, which is not just good news for the organisation, but for in and out to continue in the case of a natural disaster.
the health of the region as a whole. Included in this is a new, more The project will be completed in four sections, starting at the
powerful tug boat, which is due to arrive in April. northern end, with that demolished initially and work undertaken
With cargo vessels increasing in size and that trend likely to to lessen the angle of the batter/revetment slope to reduce the
continue, it’s essential that Nelson’s facilities not only keep pace, chance of erosion from the sea or slumpage. With that achieved,
but are also capable of efficiently handling potential further the contractors will then drive piles for the replacement section,
advances. With the new tug – a Damen with capacity of 70 tonnes while at the same time begin dismantling the next. “Effectively
bollard pull – and the completion of the wharf, the Port will be well when the last part is coming down the contractors will be pouring
equipped to accommodate vessels up to 270m in length. the concrete surface for the first stage,” says Allanagh. “It’s a
robust work programme and more manageable than rebuilding
It will be very much a case of business as usual throughout the the whole thing at once.”
construction process. “We are working with the preferred supplier
around a programme which allows an element of disruption for Although the footprint of the new structure will be exactly the
ship movements,” says General Manager Infrastructure Allanagh same as the old, with length and width identical in measurement,
Rivers. “The majority of our vessel calls are made over the weekend, its level will be raised by 300mm to match that of the current Main
which plays very much in our favour because our resource consent Wharf South.
allows for construction from Monday to Saturday between 7am It was the arrival of the 262m-long Harrier Hunter in March last
and 7pm. The contractor and our operations teams will be talking year that highlighted the need to invest, with expressions of
on a daily basis to ensure that as best as possible everyone knows interest already to potentially bring that sized vessel on a more
what vessels are coming and when, as things in the shipping world frequent basis.
can change at short notice, for instance due to weather.”
A preferred supplier has been identified. “They have very good
Throughout the project, some larger vessels will still need to dock references and have completed wharf construction projects all
at Main Wharf South but where possible use will be made of Brunt across Asia Pacific, as well as in Australia,” adds Allanagh.
Quay for smaller ships. Those transporting logs will continue to
dock at Kingsford Quay alongside the log storage area, and cruise “This project involved decisions around where we see the Port’s
ships will use McGlashen Quay, with Main Wharf South also future. There are ageing assets that we needed to start replacing
available should it be needed. and it just happens that it’s coincided with shipping companies
indicating they want to bring in larger vessels. We see this as
The existing ageing structure has been unusable for anything future-proofing the Port.”
other than light storage for some years. The replacement section
100M TO BE
REPLACED
MAIN WHARF SOUTH MAIN WHARF NORTH
Y
UA
TQ
SHED 2
UN
BR
The new Damen tug which is due to arrive in April
6 PO T NELSON RE:PO T MARCH 2019
Old world meets new world as the Europa cruise and Spirit of New Zealand cross paths in the Tasman Bay
Vision and vigour: a brief history
It took vision and vigour to make the Port the as Main Wharf began initially in 1876, the concept for which was
originally known as the Railway Wharf, initially an L-shape, but an
success it is today. The Europeans on board extension to form a T-shape came in 1911.
the ships that arrived in the early 1840s could
The profile of land around the Port as we’d recognise it today
never have imagined how it would grow or the however, owes much to William Henry Parr, QSO, who in 1948, as
volumes that would pass through. the then newly appointed Secretary-Manager, produced a report
that sparked major change. It called for a massive development
By 1843 it was already a bustling harbour, with three main jetties involving more land, a deeper harbour and more wharf space. As
under construction, having cleared at least 25,000 tonnes of shipping. a result of this report, in 1960 dignitaries were able to stand on
an area successfully reclaimed from the sea, to open McGlashen
From 1859 to 1860 a new Government Wharf was built, extending
Quay and also mark the successful reclamation.
116m seaward, but within 14 years it had deteriorated and was
beyond repair. The Port was booming. Kingsford Quay, at 243m long and
extending off McGlashen Quay, was opened in 1970. These
For many years the Port’s ability to increase volume of trade had
wharves were named after former Harbour Board Chairman
been hampered by lack of finance, however, the Nelson Harbour
MH McGlashen, and his predecessor AR Kingsford. Brunt Quay
Board formed in 1901, to steer it on its future path. One of its
followed, opening in 1973.
first major jobs was to make the approach to the harbour more
straightforward and it tackled this by creating The Cut in the Port Nelson Ltd replaced the Nelson Harbour Board in 1988 as a
Boulder Bank, which had its official ‘opening’ in 1906. shared community asset, owned jointly by Nelson City Council and
Tasman District Council. The passion and vision that have helped
As years went on, soaring volumes passing through were boosted
shape the Port into the facility it is today lives on in those who’re now
by the region’s production of fruit and its growing timber industry.
at the helm, committed to see its further development and ensure it
The Port has seen the construction and deletion of a number of continues to thrive as the regional gateway to the rest of the world.
wharves over the years but work towards the one we know today
PO T NELSON RE:PO T MARCH 2019 7
Driving an agile innovation culture
An athlete wouldn’t enter a major sporting event without the correct preparation and a programme
of continual improvement. And as far as Business Systems Manager Reagan Pattison is concerned,
his department’s approach to the way in which they can stay on top of their game is no different.
Words like ‘sprint’, ‘flexible’ and ‘agile’ are prominent in the team’s The department is now forging ahead with another innovative
language in finding business solutions for their customers. development, Pelorus – a new mobile application offering
Also key to the way they operate, he says, is that advancements customers monitoring and management through live port
in what they create are made incrementally. data, with security underpinned by the utilisation of encrypted
information, in the form of blockchain technology.
“We have a small team in Business Systems but a big list in terms
of the things we’d like to achieve and the projects we’re asked A prototype presented last year has now progressed to the next
to help with. I’m very protective of the fact we’re not an IT team, phase, with further development of a working application that can
and emphasise that our work is more around developing good be run on a device currently being developed in collaboration with a
solutions. Those might be process-based – in terms of changing winery, ready for full market operation by winter. Once the system
the way something’s done – but more often than not there’s a has been adapted and tested, it will be expanded to more customers.
technology element too.”
“As a concept we have received great support for Pelorus at
Last year the successful creation of Voyager, new software that Executive and Board level. It has potential to add value not just in
revolutionised Port Nelson’s labour allocation processes, was one terms of better process and transparency for external customers
of the projects implemented by the team. Previously these were but also in terms of revenue.”
completed in paper format, a time-consuming process, especially
The technology is revolutionary, but Reagan stresses it’s not a race.
if for instance a vessel’s arrival time changes.
“Delivering solutions with speed, agility, and being responsive are
“We work with our customers – whether internal or external – to
all important qualities, but for us it’s not about being first. It’s about
find out what’s needed, aiming to deliver on the highest priority
how quickly we respond to changes that come along and how we
requirements initially, then expand on that with continued
at Port Nelson are trying to add value and taking new approaches
collaboration as the project progresses,” says Reagan. “Each new
to customer offerings.”
phase of working is called a ‘sprint’ – so it’s essentially small chunk
delivery in order to achieve the desired end results.”
Their agile approach is a dynamic, iterative one, stresses Reagan,
where initial solutions can be devised quicker, with projects revisited
for further improvements once the user has test-driven them, “We work with our customers to find
therefore potentially limiting expenditure on unnecessary features. out what’s needed, aiming to deliver
“Rather than creating a completed system from day one, it’s about on the highest priority requirements
producing a solution to the main requirements initially and then initially, then expand on that with
being agile enough to adapt it with incremental changes that can
continued collaboration as the
lead to further improvements.”
project progresses.
Increasingly this has led the department to form partnerships with
Reagan Pattison, Business Systems Manager
smaller key technology vendors, which also have the ability to be
nimble, responsive, and more adaptive to change.
8 PO T NELSON RE:PO T MARCH 2019
Staff profiles
JOHN IVE OLIVIA CA SON
Forklift Operator: Container Terminal Training Coordinator: Stevedoring Team
John Rive had planned to semi-retire when he Olivia Carson is delighted to now be the owner
emigrated from the UK in 2003. Little did he of a pair of steel toe-capped boots. She wears
know when he started at Port Nelson a year them with pride in her new role as Training
later as a casual, he would go on to become Coordinator for Stevedoring. While her work
the company’s longest-serving full-time is mostly office-based, it hasn’t taken her long
Container Terminal Forklift Operator. to wear-in the boots, heading out to meet
the teams working with the vessels and even
His job, which he loves for the variety it offers, predominantly
involves moving empty containers once they’ve been unloaded
helping on a couple of shifts, getting to know
from ships in order for them to be quickly assessed for works the ropes.
needed and transferred between departments, whether for
steam-cleaning or repairs. Prioritising movement so that “Port Nelson has an incredibly strong reputation nationwide for
each is turned around in optimal time is aided these days by its Stevedoring team, with the skills they bring and the standards
onboard computers, the addition of which has been a significant they maintain. For me there’s a real responsibility to ensure that
change during his service. The modernisation of vehicles, now continues with the best training and education opportunities, but
incorporating tinted windows and air-conditioning, has also been also that we’re striving for continual improvement with process
a welcome progression over the years, he says. and safety. Training is a massive part of that.”
John’s position was made permanent and full-time in 2005 during Olivia sees her role with the 130 stevedores very much as
a busy apple season. Over the course of his years, he’s also helping individuals achieve their potential, as well as ensuring
worked in the Quarantine section covering a staff member’s sick the operational needs of such a diverse business are met, with
leave, before returning to the yard to drive high stacker forklifts. considerable thought given to succession planning. “The level of skill
required in most of the roles is phenomenal. I love to impact people
“I grew up on a potato farm in Jersey so had been used to positively and I think my job offers a great opportunity to do that.”
driving heavy machinery from an early age,” says John, now a
grandfather of four, who prior to emigrating had run his own farm Having started in October last year, Olivia was previously at
on the English Channel Islands. NMIT where she was Programme Coordinator for Commerce
students, helping them on their path to success. With a Bachelor
Volumes of goods passing through the port, notably wine, timber of Commerce herself, as well as a tertiary teaching qualification,
and MDF, have increased hugely since he started. “There’re experience as a small business owner, and roles in the coffee
always different things going on which makes it interesting here industry which saw her travel the world as an international
and I work with a good bunch of lads,” he says. competition judge, she brings a wealth of experience to the role.
Outside of work, John’s partner Chrissy regularly encourages Outside of work, Olivia loves spending time with family and
him out walking and cycling, though gardening and DIY tends to friends, as well as walking her labrador/collie cross Lotus and
dominate his spare time. enjoying the Nelson region.
PO T NELSON RE:PO T MARCH 2019 9
Staff profiles (continued)
NEIL KETCHEN NIKKI ACKLEY
Skilled Hand: Workshop Team HR Advisor: People & Safety Team
With such a diverse range of facilities at Port When Nikki Rackley heard she’d been
Nelson, having a Workshop team with many successful in her application to become Port
practical skills is vital. That’s one of the reasons Nelson’s HR Advisor she was delighted she
Skilled Hand Neil Ketchen fits in so well. With was joining an organisation that was not only
a background not only as a trained carpenter growing quickly, but also had a reputation as
and licenced builder, but also a fully qualified one of the region’s valued employers.
aircraft engineer, his experience is broad.
“There’s an awesome team here,” says Nikki, who started in the
Neil joined the Port nearly two years ago and in that time has not spring of last year and has a Bachelor of Commerce endorsed in
only been involved in fixing things, but also in building completely Human Resource Development from the University of Canterbury.
new structures – most recently creating a new pontoon for the “I had a really good bunch of people in my last HR role at New Zealand
pilot boat. King Salmon, so it was really important I moved to a company that
also had a supportive team and emphasis on personal development.”
“My job’s basically to fix and build things,” says Neil, who greatly
appreciates the facilities within the Port’s new purpose-built Nikki’s role at Port Nelson involves overseeing many aspects relating
Workshop. “Carpentry’s my main role but we all do a wee bit of to the people who work in the business, including recruitment,
engineering ourselves. Mechanical knowledge is a big advantage employment relations, development, performance management,
because of the range of equipment we work on. and change management. With over 300 people in a diverse range
of jobs it’s not surprising she’s already been very busy, with new
“The job’s completely varied and that’s what I love. One day we situations occurring frequently that require HR support.
might be driving piles in for a wharf, or taking the sparkies out to
repair the navigation beacons, other times I might be putting up an What she loves most about her work is helping people realise their
office whiteboard, or out repairing a gate,” he says. full potential and finding the right staff to join as new recruits, which
ultimately she hopes will influence the business’ development.
Neil’s also a reliever on the Port’s tug crew and Waimea II pilot
boat, and a volunteer Coastguard. Having spent time as a rescue Nikki moved back to her home town over four years ago after
helicopter crewman during his 12 years in the Air Force, he’s used some time working in London for a private equity company,
to dealing with emergencies. where she gained valuable people skills. She took these to her
role at New Zealand King Salmon, where she worked as part of
Outside of work he’s been studying for his skipper’s ticket, a a bigger HR team covering over 500 employees.
commitment which has caused him to cut back another passion,
karate – in which he is a second dan black belt. He’s also an artist, Loving life back in her home town, she enjoys cooking, spending
enjoying carving Oamaru stone, and more recently crafting the new, time with her friends and extended family, and walking her pug, Bear.
prized trophies for the Port’s Annual Golf Tournament (see page 14).
10 PO T NELSON RE:PO T MARCH 2019Nelson Tasman – where the ordinary
is extraordinary
When it comes to communicating to those outside our region what a great place it is to live, work
and play, there’s a key tool that’s helping the area’s true colours shine through.
The Nelson Tasman Regional Identity has been designed to Port Nelson is an important part in the initiative, being a focus
emphasise what an extraordinary place it is and highlights five of so many of the pillars – for instance as a vital component of
key features or ‘pillars’ that together, create a core identity or the Arts and Artisans (as a gateway to the world for exports),
‘story’ to portray its points of difference. The platform the Identity to Clever Business (adding to the arenas of research, science
creates can be used by anyone in the community to support their and technology), Stunning Natural Landscapes (enabling those
marketing, therefore unifying businesses and other organisations arriving by cruise ships to enjoy the region), and of course Highly
in spreading the region’s unique story. Connected (linking Nelson Tasman to the rest of the world).
“When people know who you are and what you’re about, they The NRDA is a Council-controlled organisation, owned by Nelson
engage, share and spread the word more readily and easily,” City Council (NCC), with additional funding from Tasman District
says Hannah Norton, Destination Identity Manager at the Nelson Council. It aims to enhance the sustainable economic vitality of
Regional Development Agency (NRDA). the region by partnering with the public and private sectors in the
attraction and retention of talent, visitors and investment.
“Through having a collective identity and inspiring the sharing
of that, we can work more effectively together to attract “I see the NRDA as a key connector within the Nelson Tasman
talent, investment and visitors, adding value to the region and business community,” says Port Nelson CEO Martin Byrne, who
contributing to Nelson Tasman’s extraordinary future.” is also a Director of the NRDA. Martin was part of the original
transition group appointed by NCC back in 2015 to work through
The five pillars are Clever Business, Stunning Natural Landscapes,
the merger of the former Economic Development Agency and
Surprisingly Diverse, Arts and Artisans, and Highly Connected.
Nelson Tasman Tourism. “The NRDA is a key information point
With each given a corresponding story, examples, and colour code,
across the visitor, investment, innovation, talent and business
those involved in each sector can utilise the associated tools in
development functions within Nelson Tasman,” he adds.
their marketing. A number of other supporting assets have been
created for the initiative too, including logos and imagery that
locals can draw on to share their story with a wider audience.
“Businesses still use their own brand but this helps with regional
positioning,” says Hannah. “Pic’s Boysenberry Jelly is a really
good example. Boysenberry purple was chosen as the colour to
represent the Arts and Artisans pillar and Pic’s opted for the same
shade for the labelling and lid of their new product to accompany
their own branding. As more people share the same message,
the stronger it grows.”
The Seabourn Encore arrives into Port Nelson
PO T NELSON RE:PO T MARCH 2019 11Batting for the community
The team at the Nelson Cricket Association were bowled over when they heard that Port Nelson
would be sponsoring its junior Kiwi and Incrediball Cricket programmes.
The news arrived in time to assist with some pre-season spring taught the right skills too. Learning these early makes the game
holiday programme activities, held at the Indoor Centre at Saxton easier as they get older and more enjoyable.”
Field. The financial contribution also covered the cost of 100 new
Nelson has a rich cricket history, with newspaper reports of games
sets of cricket bats, balls and wickets, as well as helping with
dating back to 1844.
funding for further holiday programmes and special events in
modified formats such as beach cricket – which this summer has “We have a lot of good young players, both male and female,
involved members of the Black Caps. It also helped facilitate clubs who’re progressing through to playing for Central Districts and the
working with primary schools in introductory cricket lessons. path for our players is to move on within their representative teams
and then on to national level,” adds David, who himself has played
The association’s junior programme covers activities for kids
first class cricket for Central Districts.
starting out in cricket, usually around five or six-years-old, until
around the age of eight or nine when they move to playing hard ball. “The Association is hugely appreciative of the relationship and
sponsorship from Port Nelson. Without it we could not deliver the
“The support has been invaluable,” says General Manager of the
extensive programme to junior cricketers.”
Nelson Cricket Association David Leonard. “It’s great to be able to take
the game to kids with smart new Port Nelson-branded cricket sets,
and also the support helps keep costs down for those participating
so that finances are not a barrier to being introduced to the game.”
The arrangement between the organisation runs for three years and
covers delivery of cricket to children throughout the whole of the
Nelson Tasman region, as far apart as Golden Bay and Murchison.
“This summer alone there have been over 1,000 kids playing cricket,
including over 200 playing each week at Saxton Oval,” adds David.
“We want to grow the game and see more kids playing cricket so
it’s hugely important to have a programme like this to ensure that
not only do kids get the best opportunities to participate but they’re
Port Nelson recognised among global super ports
The team at Port Nelson were delighted when wine region, with a corresponding reduction in fuel consumption
and carbon emissions.
the new QuayConnect Patterson Logistics Centre
was announced as one of just six finalists in “Among the other five finalists were the VICT Australia, which is a
completely automated container terminal,” says CEO Martin Byrne,
the Lloyd’s List Asia Pacific Awards new port who attended the grand awards ceremony in Singapore with other
infrastructures category, the most prestigious members of the team and alongside other New Zealand finalist,
event of its kind in the maritime industry. ContainerCo. “All the others are Asian super ports, so it was a
significant achievement that Nelson was among those recognised.”
Shortlisting for the ‘2018 Port Infrastructure Development of the Year’ The facility is no stranger to awards, last year having secured two
was based on the benefits the facility has brought to the region, nationally for its freight logistics model, as well as selection as a
and diversification in port development, as well as in sustainability. finalist in a third.
The logistics model, which has been made possible thanks to Although initially designed to optimise opportunities from growing wine
the construction of the two new purpose-built, state-of-the-art volumes, the facility is increasingly benefiting other regional businesses
warehouses on Vickerman Street totalling 23,000m2, has become wanting their brand to benefit from cost and carbon savings.
the largest portside wine store in the country, of both empty glass
bottles and finished product.
It has revolutionised road freight across the top of the South Island,
having halved truck journeys between the Port and the Marlborough
12 PO T NELSON RE:PO T MARCH 201940th anniversary Port Industry
Association conference heads to Nelson
Representatives from ports across the country had an opportunity to see the work undertaken here in
Nelson, thanks to visiting recently during the annual conference for the Port Industry Association (PIA).
The event, which involved 60 delegates from 12 ports and other “It was great to have so many local businesses involved, they were
member organisations’ Human Resources, Health & Safety, and all very welcoming and eager to show off the best of the region.”
Stevedore teams, was hosted by Port Nelson and ran across two
Following a tour of the Port facilities, led by Container Operations
days, preceded by an AGM.
Manager Jonny Cook and Container Terminal Supervisor Hayden
With the theme ‘Workforce development, innovation and Grainger, delegates were complimentary, saying how impressed
technology’, delegates were welcomed by Matt McDonald, Port they were, especially with the safety record and speed at which
Nelson’s General Manager Operations, and enjoyed thought- Port Nelson has developed.
provoking presentations by experts in the fields of wellbeing,
“Hosting the conference meant that different members of our
safety, innovation and fatigue.
staff could join the talks, which was a huge bonus,” says Shelley
Being the 40th year of the event, a special photo montage Spencer, Port Nelson's People & Safety General Manager, who is on
celebrated the organisation’s milestone at a gala dinner. In the Board of Directors for the Association. “The session on safety
addition, the Association’s longest serving member Don Howard, management and fatigue by specialist Dr Matthew Thomas was
Managing Director of Independent Stevedoring, gave a talk on especially of interest as we currently have a fatigue management
the organisation’s history. Opening this part of the event was programme being implemented.”
the Minister for Transport and Minister for Housing and Urban
Unofficially launched at the event was Worksafe Port Tool, a new
Development Hon Phil Twyford, who not only discussed future
interactive, online facility to assist with port health and safety,
plans for Maritime New Zealand but also talked of the importance
the development of which has been a collaborative effort by
of the shipping industry and ports to the New Zealand economy.
Worksafe NZ, ACC, PIA and a number of New Zealand ports.
Organised by Port Nelson’s Customer and Marketing Specialist
The conference is very important to the industry as a whole, not
Jennie Harrison, the conference also showcased the region with a
least because it’s the only annual event where all the ports come
day-long tour for all delegates to some of the key regional players
together for matters regarding stevedoring and health and safety.
such as Nelson Pine, Sealord, and New Zealand Hops, with a
number of opportunities along the way to sample locally produced
fare, including speciality beers from Hop Federation in Riwaka.
“It’s good for the region and our peers to see what we have on
offer,” says Jennie, who had to think outside the square in terms
of organising the visits to local producers, given that the previous
year’s event had been held in Napier, which also has good numbers
of vineyards and orchards.
PO T NELSON RE:PO T MARCH 2019 13Swinging into action
Over $19,000 was raised by this year’s popular Port Nelson Annual Charity Golf Tournament. In true
Nelson style the sun shone for the event, which involved 27 teams from businesses all over the country.
This year and next, the money will go to the Nelson Coastguard, Other prizes from the day were for the ‘shoot out’ hole at the end,
which is desperately fundraising to purchase a much-needed new the longest drive and closest to the pin.
rescue vessel that will not only broaden its range of coverage
Members of the Coastguard assisted at the event’s food stations,
but also offer a greater level of services to those in need of its
and many stayed to enjoy the charity auction which followed the
assistance (see page 15).
competition, and featured items donated by the teams and other
Enjoying the opportunity to be involved in the function, which was businesses involved with the port and marine industry, as well as
held at the picturesque coastal Nelson Golf Club, were 108 players, other supporters of the Coastguard.
who got more than they would bargain for in an average round
The auction itself raised over $14,000 and was run by auctioneer
of golf. Hospitality stations along the way, sponsored by various
Liam Boshoff from Summit Real Estate.
organisations, ensured the teams didn’t go hungry or thirsty, with a
wide range of local refreshments on offer. “We’re always delighted with the way the day runs,” says CEO Martin
Byrne. “People really get on board and are also very generous with
The event, which is into its 14th year, is run in an Ambrose format,
their giving, as well as their bidding. We’re also very grateful to our
which makes it possible for golfers of all levels of skill to play together.
internal staff who volunteer to get involved and help out on the day.”
The winning team was Crowe Horwath, which received the first of
two brand-new trophies created especially by Port Nelson’s Skilled
Hand Neil Ketchen, who is also a volunteer Coastguard. Designed
to encompass something of the Port itself, Neil mounted specially
polished clubs onto a piece of timber, no longer needed from
the old wharf, which he had refined and varnished to showcase
the Australian hardwood. The other trophy, for the losing team,
comically featured a mis-shaped club – fine compensation for those
whose skills on the course didn’t quite measure up on the day.
The winning team from Crowe Horwarth
14 PO T NELSON RE:PO T MARCH 2019Nelson Volunteer Safety on our seas
Coastguard Nelson has the largest tidal range in New Zealand,
so strong currents can create hazards, as can
Volunteers at Nelson Coastguard were unpredictable southerlies, westerlies and even
delighted when they found out recently northerly winds. Being aware of operating
that Port Nelson would be supporting the safely along our coastline is key to preventing
organisation’s fundraising efforts in a bid to fatalities, and that’s something Harbour Master
help them purchase a new rescue vessel. Dave Duncan and his department have been
working closely with water users to highlight.
“We’re trying to raise $1.3 million to replace the ageing
rescue vessel and are eternally grateful for their contribution,”
With a big emphasis on education, the team has been involved
says Peter Kara, the local organisation’s President.
with many local clubs such as Sea Cadets, Navy Cadets and the
“Our current boat is an 8.5m rigid hull inflatable and was Tasman Bay Cruising Club, to help with training. They’ve also
second-hand to us five years ago. It was only ever meant to run special courses tailored for women on the water, as well as
cover us off in the interim. It’s served its purpose but we’re the annual Harbour Master’s Challenge event, and are now also
going out to both extremes of our area, which is a lot of looking to extend their reach to involve schools.
sea, and we need to have a vessel that’s safe and meets the
Over the last two years the Deputy Harbour Master Amanda Kerr,
region’s needs. Currently we don’t have room to sit down on
with support from colleagues, has had a strong emphasis on
board, and can only deal with patients on the deck as there’s
getting out on the water for regular patrols and to liaise with boat
nowhere under cover to lie them down.”
ramp users, conducting surveys to assess their preparation in
The volunteer team, whose region stretches across Nelson terms of safety.
– from Farewell Spit around to Westhaven, right across
“They’ve highlighted some key areas that require focus,” says
to D’Urville Island – have put a great deal of research into
Dave. “One is the need for people to think about communication.
finding the ideal replacement vessel and are hoping it will
Only about 65 – 70% of people have a phone or a radio with
be built locally.
them when they go to sea, and we’d like to get that up to 100%.
“We looked at a few different models but the 11m-long one It’s absolutely essential for safety – there are plenty of examples
used in Kaikoura is ideal. It will have a lie-down medical of where a radio or a cellphone has saved a life.”
station inside the cabin and a navigation table, which will
To help reduce costs of marine communication systems, Burnsco
be a luxury as on our present boat we don’t even have room
have offered special deals, as well as very competitive prices for
to get a chart out,” says Peter. “This is going to be a 20-year
lights, which is another area of concern for Dave and the team.
boat for the region. There will also be seats for the crew,
and with twin diesel engines and twin jet units it will have “We’ve had several cases of anecdotal near misses caused
an extended range, go faster, and enable us to operate in by people not using lights,” says Dave. “It seems simple but,
rougher seas, venturing safely into shallower water and especially as daylight hours change, people put themselves at risk
rocky areas. It will also have a heavier towing capacity.” if they don’t anticipate this and have lights on their boat.”
Once funding is secured, the vessel will take around six months Another issue still is lack of preparation among water users with
to build. Ideally this would be achieved by the end of 2019. lifejackets. You wouldn’t drive a car without putting on a seatbelt,
so don’t go out on the water without enough lifejackets for
“We see ourselves almost as a fourth emergency service but
everyone. That’s the message to boaties and other recreational
without the luxury of government funding, relying totally on
water users who want to stay safe.
donations and fundraising,” adds Peter.
Even paddleboarders should have them, says Dave, and although
“We’ve had fantastic support from the Port over many years
it’s not necessarily automatic to think of safety first, it needs to
and it makes a huge difference, from simple things like
become second-nature to prevent unnecessary accidents from
ensuring we’ve got a berth next to the base, which helps
happening on the water.
considerably in our efforts to get out on the water within a 15
minute response time of the pagers going off. So to have the “We’ve actually started to fine people for not having lifejackets
additional support generated by the Golf Day is fantastic.” because we want that compliance up but we’re great believers
that education is better than enforcement.”
Overall in New Zealand in less than three months this
summer, 28 lives were saved by the Coastguard. Lastly the message to those thinking of taking children’s
inflatables to the beach is please don’t. “We’ve had kids blown
“There’s still a long way to go before we achieve our
off the beach on lilos and blow-up toys that should only be at the
fundraising target but we save a lot of lives, so we’re all very
swimming pool,” adds Dave.
passionate about seeing this challenge through,” adds Peter.
“Have fun – but safe fun. Let someone know where you’re going
and when you’ll come back. People don’t go to sea to have an
accident, but being prepared is key to safety.”
PO T NELSON RE:PO T MARCH 2019 15T h e R e g i o n ’s G a t e w a y t o t h e W o r l d
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