E:PO T - Supporting the community and growth in the region - Port Nelson
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E:PO T
Supporting the community
and growth in the region
MARCH 2020
F OM
CONTENTS
THE CEO
Tenā koutou,
3 Restoring biodiversity
This is the first edition of Re:Port that I have had the
to Haulashore Island
opportunity to write an introduction for.
4 New CEO impressed
As I write this note the hottest topic prepared to walk the talk when it comes
impacting the region is the Coronavirus, to being actively involved in events and
5 Nelson’s new Covid-19. Currently the impact of the initiatives close to the community’s heart.
Harbourmaster virus is hard to assess. We are not seeing For instance, getting behind the Blue
and Port Marine significant variances in our logging September appeal for the Prostate Cancer
Operations Manager volumes, however there is high caution Foundation’s annual campaign, as well as
amongst the forestry players and the level a new trapping programme on Haulashore
of log supply and shipping supply has Island to help create a haven for penguins
5 QuayConnect – become volatile. We also have concern We are also pleased to have contributed
supporting excellence over accessing enough refrigerated to the new Nelson Coastguard vessel
containers to ensure the region's fruit which will play a key role in saving lives on
8 Staff profiles produce can be exported as needed. The our waters.
Port is very conscious of its responsibilities
The Port continues to make investments
related to the virus for safeguarding its
10 Blue September – in infrastructure that look to safeguard
people, supporting central government in
a beacon of hope the viability of the Port for the region.
implementing procedures to control the
Redevelopment of Main Wharf North
risk of spread of the virus and in assisting
is underway at a total cost of over
11 Main Wharf North our exporters and importers in minimising
$20 million. Not only will this assist us to
redevelopment disruption to the flow of goods.
attract larger vessels to Nelson – keeping
underway In the last month we have carried out a up with the industry’s trend towards larger
significant restructure of our logistics, ships – but it will also support our ability
12 Mediterranean warehousing and packing operations. This to act as a lifeline to the region in the event
Shipping Company has been implemented to increase the of a natural disaster. The wider investment
in Nelson range of services offered by the Port and programme, of which the wharf’s
the capability of those services. Our very redevelopment is part, also involved the
successful QuayConnect business has introduction of the new, more powerful tug
14 Run like Tanya
been split in two. The new QuayConnect Huria Matenga II. This impressive vessel has
will focus on providing supply chain already proved invaluable in assisting the
15 Golf Day boosts solutions to clients to assist them safe arrival and departure of a number of
Coastguard closer to improve the economic and environmental ships, including the second-largest ever to
new rescue vessel efficiency of their supply chains. The have docked in Nelson – the 260m Seaspan
warehousing and packing part of the New York – which visited in December.
current QuayConnect will be merged with
As an organisation we have responsibility
the container packing and unpacking
to care for the safety and environment of
operations carried out by QuayPack. This
the wonderful place in which we operate
new entity will trade under the brand
and of that I am immensely proud.
‘QuayPack’. The combining of the two
services will allow the Port to provide
more warehousing capacity, flexibility and
PRODUCTION CREDITS efficiency to importers and exporters.
One of the great things about the
Re:Port is proudly produced by HotHouse Creative Port, which I learned very quickly after Hugh Morrison
(www.hothouse.co.nz), Fiona Terry (Writer) and joining at the end of last year, is that the Chief Executive Officer
Tim Cuff Photography (www.timcuff.com). company and our people are very much Port Nelson
2 PO T NELSON RE:PO T MA CH 2020
Restoring biodiversity to Haulashore Island
A new trapping programme is set to make “Port Nelson sees a responsibility of care for the safety and
environment of the surrounding bay that connects the Nelson
Haulashore Island a haven for penguins and community to the sea, and as such Haulashore Island is the
a safer place for the lizards and seabirds that perfect location for us to get involved.”
already enjoy life there. Andrew and Jonathan’s proposal sought support for materials to
have the traps built, and funding to cover the transport costs for
It is hoped the programme, a collaboration between community
three years for volunteers to travel regularly on ‘The Ferry’ to the
groups – Friends of Motu Mānuka/Haulashore Island, Nelson City
island to check and reset the traps.
Council and Port Nelson – may even lead to the eradication of the
rat population there. “Our sponsorship committee thought it was a great idea, especially
because we’re really keen to move into environmentally restorative
The brainchild of scientists Andrew Fidler and Jonathan Banks,
projects to ensure we look after the environment that we undertake
the project came about after the keen ornithologists travelled out
Port operations within,” adds Kelly.
to the island to investigate penguin nesting boxes that had been
placed there years before. With the material costs covered, it was volunteers at Nelson’s
Men’s Shed, who dedicated their time and crafting skills to creating
“Even though we’d heard they’d been successfully used in the past,
the traps, which consist of a metal mechanism housed within a
there were none left,” says Andrew. “There were pieces lying around
wooden tunnel.
but I imagine they’d been washed out by storms.”
Following the plan, the traps have been set in an intensive grid, with
The pair decided to replace the nesting boxes and approached
the aim of reducing the number of occupying rats to almost zero.
Nelson City Council (NCC) for help with funding for the necessary
materials. Nelson Nature Programme Manager Leigh Marshall at As well as the initiative’s founders, other volunteers have already
NCC thought it was a great idea. signed up to check the traps, including four from the Port Nelson
team, who as well as Kelly, are CEO Hugh Morrison, QuayConnect
“Nelson Nature is focused on protecting and restoring Nelson’s
Operations Manager Jaron McLeod, and Business Systems
biodiversity. Our ‘Halo’ project is about creating a safe area, or ‘halo’,
Specialist Rosie Horn.
outside of the Brook Sanctuary to bring native birds back to Nelson.
We’ve also got a project focusing on restoring coastal areas. “For us at the Port it’s extremely rewarding to be involved in a
With that in mind, and given that the island is a Council reserve, project like this,” says Kelly. “We’re lucky enough to operate in that
we were really happy to support Andrew and Jonathan’s initiative.” coastal marine area and it’s really important that we look after it for
future generations.”
With help from the craftsmen at the Men’s Shed in Waimea, it
wasn’t long before the materials purchased had been turned into Leigh says the project is a prime example of how collaboration
ten cosy nesting boxes, ready to create prime penguin real estate can prove invaluable in protecting native habitats and ecosystems.
in the picturesque spot. However, Andrew and Jonathan realised “This is an awesome example of community working together
that in order to provide protection, a trapping programme for rats for a great outcome. Through it we have a new group working
would be wise. When they mentioned this to Leigh, she was keen with established groups such as the Men’s Shed, in a project
to seek further support. that’s supported by industry and the Council to achieve positive
biodiversity outcomes for our region and our native species.”
“This seemed like an awesome idea because in addition to
providing a safe nesting environment for penguins, there are other
coastal birds like variable oystercatchers and shags nesting there,
and a few different species of lizard.
We’re lucky enough to operate in that
“Some of these species are threatened and some are rare on coastal marine area and it’s really
New Zealand’s mainland, so all would benefit from predator
control. There’s been a small amount done in the past but nothing
important that we look after it for
comprehensive, so we were keen to help make this possible.” future generations.
Nelson Nature commissioned a plan to be drawn up by local
expert in predator control and trapping Mike Bell, of Wildlife
Management International, that included outlining the goals and
type of predator control required to be effective, while making sure
the traps were humane.
Having worked with Port Nelson already on matters like this via
the Nelson Biodiversity Forum, Leigh suggested Andrew and
Jonathan contact Environmental Officer Kelly Leonard. Says Kelly:
“The timing was perfect because we were looking for community
involvement through our sponsorship fund that delivered some
positive environmental outcomes.”
PO T NELSON RE:PO T MA CH 2020 3
New CEO impressed
Since taking the helm at Port Nelson as CEO, Hugh Morrison has been more than impressed by the
ethos of the team, which he feels confident has the organisation’s wellbeing firmly at heart.
“My first impressions were that Port Nelson is a well-run business, This sits well with the Port’s Resilience Project, he says, which
with all the key things well attended to and that there are really addresses the issue of how the Port could withstand a major
good people who have huge pride in their jobs,” says 58-year- earthquake or other natural event and continue to act as a lifeline
old Hugh, who took over in October with more than 20 years’ to the community through bringing in essential services and
experience in general management and chief executive roles. supplies. The large infrastructure investment in Main Wharf North
is part of this, he adds. With a $20 million budget this is much
“I believe there’s genuine intent to do a good job, and that’s deep
smaller than the projects he’s been more attuned to, though its
within the organisation – probably to a greater extent than I’ve
potential is just as exciting he says.
seen before.”
“For us it’s a very valuable and important part of the jigsaw puzzle
Hugh – who during the course of his career has worked in over
that will enable us to strengthen the Port’s position further. It’s an
ten countries and whose strengths include leadership, change
exciting time.
management, strategy and delivery – has also been incredibly
impressed with the business’ standing in the wider Nelson “We’re also looking at our strategic business plan and
community, seeing it as a highly respected body. infrastructure master plan which goes out 20 – 30 years and
considers the changing world of shipping and exporting to assess
“I like the way the Port is such an integral part of the community
how the Port needs to adjust.”
and an essential asset in that regard, and yet it has a commercial
objective,” says the father of two, who recently relocated to Nelson Prior to joining Port Nelson, Hugh’s previous roles include Managing
with his wife Monique from their small farm in Hawkes Bay. “There Director at Opus International (M) Berhad (OIM) – a 500-person
is a profit objective, which is only reasonable, but it’s not a profit at company owned by the Malaysian Government’s investment arm.
all cost. There’s a social obligation to help this community prosper.” In this position he was responsible for leading a culture change as
part of moving the business model to a more sustainable structure.
4 PO T NELSON RE:PO T MA CH 2020
Within just days of joining Port Nelson Hugh was able to use his
fitness to help with the Blue September initiative, joining the senior
My first impressions were that Port team in donning fancy dress and pedalling for the cause on the
Nelson is a well-run business, with all Smoothie Bike, along with the other members of the leadership
the key things well attended to and team. (See pages 10 – 11.)
that there are really good people who He was impressed with the senior team’s sportsmanship in taking
have huge pride in their jobs. part in the event and also appreciates their commitment. “They’ve
all got strong capabilities and also have a good respect for each
other,” he says. “A lot of my role will involve empowering them to
continue the great job they’re doing.”
With regards to aspirations for the business, Hugh is keen to
This led to one of his career highlights to date – his role as Acting
support the direction in which Port Nelson is already headed.
Chief Operating Officer and Project Director with responsibility
“Most of my goals have come from listening and picking up
for the delivery of the Pan-Borneo Highway. “The section we were
on some of the key initiatives that are already happening and
focused on was through Sabah, around 700km, with a budget
supporting their delivery. Port Nelson has a number of differences
of NZ$3–4 billion. That was fascinating to see the political and
from the traditional perspective of a port. Historically the role of the
community connection between a federal government, a state
port started and ended at the gate. We now see an important role
government, and each village leader and the politics around that.
in facilitating the supply chain that comes into and leaves the gate.
It was interesting and a challenge.”
Our QuayConnect business is an example of this.”
Another career highlight was as Development Director for the
New to the shipping world, Hugh’s excited to learn more about the
Forsyth Barr Stadium Precinct while at Arrow International.
logistics associated with it. “When you work on a port you’re quite
With responsibilities that ranged from pre-feasibility through to
privileged in that you get to look at many different supply chains.
construction delivery, his role was broad-reaching.
For instance, I understood what logging was and can operate a
“I was lucky enough to be involved right from the start and see chainsaw and chop down a tree, but when you have a closer look
it through to the end,” says Hugh, who originally started out his at the industry you realise it has many complexities.”
career after graduating from Canterbury University in 1983 with a
With the warmer waters of summer he’s been pleased to be
Bachelor of Civil Engineering with Honours.
involved in the Thursday night Port Nelson sea swims that have
“The stadium started as a whispered idea that rather than repairing become something of an institution to the city.
Carisbrook we could build a new one and, outlandishly, put a roof
“The Port has a very strong view on being a good corporate
on it. From hearing that suggestion to then finding a way to help as
citizen and supporting its community so it’s really valuable to be
part of a team make it happen was a really exciting journey.”
actively involved in initiatives. We’re using the phrase ‘guardians
From his very first job in engineering – as an assistant engineer of the land-to-sea interface for the community’ to reflect part of
for the Ministry of Works – Hugh progressed quickly to take our responsibility to the community. Projects like supporting the
on a project manager role, before further bolstering his career predator clean up on Haulashore Island are positives in that regard,
by returning to university to study for an MBA. Following that as well as sponsoring the youth activities on the water.”
he secured a role as Commercial Manager for a New Zealand-
based business with offices in London and Singapore and a
joint venture in Hong Kong. In that role he provided on-going
management of international projects including for aid agencies
such as The World Bank. He joined Arrow International Ltd
in 1994 and while there also studied at Stanford University
Graduate School of Business for an Executive Programme in
Strategy and Organisation.
Born in Malaysia, Hugh grew up in Hong Kong and came to
New Zealand for boarding school. “Since I’d studied here for ten
years I qualified for Citizenship, which started the New Zealand
chapter of my life,” he says. A confident traveller, at the age of just
17 he hitchhiked from Belfast – where he had family connections
– to the Iranian border, before then taking public transport across
Iran, Pakistan, and India.
As a keen tramper and hunter he’s already loving being in Nelson.
“My wife’s family have lived here for the last 30 years, so we were
already familiar with it,” says the adventure racer who’s taken part
in a host of 24-hour races, the iconic Coast-to-Coast multisport
event, and last year ran the Ring of Fire ultramarathon at Ruapehu
with his son. This year the pair are training for the Breca Wanaka
Swimrun adventure race, which involves covering a distance of
44.6km, including deep, glacial waters.
PO T NELSON RE:PO T MA CH 2020 5
Nelson’s new
Harbourmaster
and Port Marine
Operations Manager
Andrew Hogg is seeing the ocean from quite a
different perspective in his role as Nelson’s new
Harbourmaster. The former Navy Commander people and machinery to facilitate the growing size of vessels
– whose 14 years in the military have included calling at Nelson, without impacting on the environment or marine
life. Working together with Deputy Harbourmaster Amanda Kerr,
serving on HMNZS Canterbury, intercepting drug
he will also promote safe use of the harbour by other users.
shipments in the Caribbean, and assisting with This involves liaising with local organisations such as sailing
humanitarian aid missions in the Pacific Islands clubs and the local councils, as well as with individuals such as
– had been more used to seeing ports from the paddleboarders, jet skiers, and boaties.
bridge of visiting vessels. “It’s a balancing act trying to make sure that everyone has the
same right to the water space and has the same enjoyment
“In my previous role I relied on navigational aids to stay safe, but without annoying others, and communication is key,” says the
now it’s more about looking after those navigational aids and father of two.
making sure that all the ships coming in are safe,” says the 41-year-
“My advice to water users is to take notice of their allocated
old, who prior to joining the Navy worked as an investment banker
zones and be courteous to others. Make sure you’re looking after
after graduating with a degree in Commerce.
your own safety, so have a floatation device and two forms of
“During my time in the Navy I learnt how reliant New Zealand is on communication in case help’s needed.
the maritime trade for its prosperity. So it’s especially exciting to be
“It is quite a complex harbour, especially in bringing in the larger
involved in the long-term strategic thinking to help grow a port that
commercial vessels, which adds a dynamic and keeps the job
welcomes new business.”
interesting, and thankfully the Port Nelson Marine Team consists
Part of Andrew’s role as Nelson Harbourmaster and Port Nelson of a really skilled bunch of guys and girls who’re really passionate
Marine Operations Manager includes ensuring the Port has the about what they do.”
QuayConnect – supporting excellence
New Zealand wine exports are currently valued During 2019 a number of key events received support from
QuayConnect. The biggest, ProWein – held annually in Germany
at a buoyant $1.83 billion, making it the country’s – featured over 6,900 exhibitors representing 64 nations and
sixth largest market, and QuayConnect is proud attracted 61,500 visitors.
to support the industry in achieving this success. “It’s like the Disneyland for wine,” adds Jennie. “It’s the world’s
largest wine expo, so it takes networking to the next level. Through
As well as its role in aiding transportation of the millions of litres
it we’re able to meet and talk to international wineries and
that pass through the region and the Port’s gateway to the world,
influencers, giving us amazing exposure at the other end of the
it also helps promote the industry’s profile at home and overseas
supply chain where a number of decisions are made. It really helps
by supporting shows and competitions that raise awareness of
in getting the name out there, raising the profile and helping people
industry players and their quality produce.
recognise what we do.”
“The events celebrate excellence and provide a platform for producers
As well as financial support, members of the team attend events –
to promote their wines, attracting the ‘who’s who’ of the wine world,”
at ProWein it was General Manager Business Development Eugene
says Port Nelson Customer & Marketing Specialist Jennie Harrison.
Beneke who had the opportunity to mingle with the wine importers
QuayConnect’s involvement in such events has come through its and tell the story of QuayConnect’s advantages. It’s also a chance
connections with associations such as New Zealand Winegrowers to monitor the trends in the industry and practises in other parts of
and Marlborough Wine which market the country’s wines overseas the world.
and bring international specialists here to New Zealand.
6 PO T NELSON RE:PO T MA CH 2020
“One of QuayConnect’s pillars is Connecting or influencing through wine styles. Forrest Estate Wines took home the QuayConnect
collaboration,” says Eugene. “It’s so important for our Kiwi wines Champion Wine of the Show with Forrest Pinot Noir 2017 and was
to be promoted globally to increase awareness and demand. also awarded the Classic Oak Products Champion Pinot Noir 2017,
The ability for us to understand and connect with stakeholders as well as the Wine Marlborough Champion Rosé Trophy with
is extremely important, so we’re delighted to sponsor these The Doctors’ Rosé 2019.
programmes and support wineries.
People at the events have been keen to learn more about
“We realise our role is not just about being able to serve a group the success of the QuayConnect logistics model, which has
of customers, but to serve an industry. Our partnerships with revolutionised road freight across the top of the South Island, and
New Zealand Winegrowers and Wine Marlborough are testament halved truck journeys between the Port and Marlborough wineries.
to our commitment to working alongside the industry and fully
In line with growing business, Service & Administration Manager
understanding what their risks, opportunities and strategies are.”
Angela Player was recently appointed in Nelson, and Client
Another high-profile event to which QuayConnect gave its support Relationship Manager Dev Chand has joined the QuayConnect
was the International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration, organised by team, based at glass supplier OI’s offices in Auckland. His role
New Zealand Winegrowers. “This happens every three years and in involves organising and facilitating the coastal freight of OI’s
2019 happened to be in Marlborough,” says Jennie. products throughout New Zealand and overseeing deployment
to eight warehouses country-wide. “It’s unique for a port to
The world’s top wine influencers attended the three-day event,
collaborate with a customer in this way, not to mention with
for which QuayConnect was a Silver Sponsor. Organisers boast
other ports, as we are also doing,” says QuayConnect Operations
it gives an opportunity to shine the spotlight on the country’s
Manager Jaron McLeod.
diverse Sauvignon Blanc offerings. The extravaganza included
internationally acclaimed speakers from all over the globe – “We’re handling a lot more export wine product than we were two
Masters of Wine who shared their pearls of wisdom on vineyard years ago. In terms of export wine container packing, volumes
practises, winemaking influences, trends and emerging styles. handled in the last calendar year were 20% greater than the
previous year, and for the year prior to that we saw a 30% rise
At the New Zealand Wine Awards – which also this year was held
on the year before. The harvest has risen as vineyards expand,
in Marlborough – the New Zealand Wine of the Year 'Champion
but we’re also handling a greater proportion of the volume that
Sauvignon Blanc' award was won by Nelson’s own Seifried Family
already existed.”
Winemakers with their 2019 Nelson Sauvignon Blanc. Central
Otago winery Peregrine was awarded the QuayConnect Champion
Open Red Wine trophy for their 2018 Saddleback Pinot Noir.
As QuayConnect’s main customer base, Marlborough remains
the largest-producing region, with 69 per cent of the total output, The ability for us to understand and
and so it was fitting for QuayConnect to take on the naming
connect with stakeholders is extremely
rights sponsorship of the Marlborough Wine Show in 2019. This
significant awards ceremony held at the start of spring, celebrates important, so we’re delighted to
the best of the Marlborough region and demonstrates to sponsor these programmes and
international media and markets, the significant sub-regional and support wineries.
style diversity of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. It also showcases
the region’s wide range of other grape varieties and respective
Port Nelson's Jennie Harrison (left) with the The Forrest Estate team, Hugh Morrison awarding the QuayConnect Champion
winners of the Champion Wine of the Marlborough Wine Show Open Red Wine trophy at the New Zealand Wine Awards
PO T NELSON RE:PO T MA CH 2020 7
Staff profiles
JAMES REDWOOD LYDIA MELVILLE
Senior Marine Officer Deckhand
Multi-tasking is something James Redwood A huge part of what Lydia Melville loves about
excels in. As Trainee Pilot his role involves taking her job as Tug Deckhand is being part of such
into account many variables, including wind a highly skilled team, she says.
speed, tidal flow, size and draught of vessel,
“I’ve got the opportunity to work with some really experienced
positioning and power of tug boats, and all while mariners. I love it and Port Nelson gives me the challenges
directing the helmsman onboard the vessel I needed at this point in my marine career.”
travelling through The Cut. Lydia joined Port Nelson in November 2017 as a marine casual,
having relocated from Kaikōura, where she’d skippered in the
It's a complex role, controlling the whole situation, but James was
marine tourism industry. “I come from a fishing family so I’ve
already an experienced mariner when he joined Port Nelson in May
been around boats my whole life,” says the 36-year-old, who
2019 as Senior Marine Officer. With 22 years' experience working
secured her New Zealand Offshore Watchkeeper ticket at 25,
at sea, most recently he was Chief Mate aboard vessels supplying
then went on to skipper commercial vessels.
offshore oil and gas facilities in Australia. James started his sea-
going career at 18 in the fishing industry working in New Zealand, She became a permanent deckhand on the tugs in July 2018.
Australian, African and Antarctic waters. The role includes securing the tug’s main tow line up to the ships.
Already over half-way through his training towards his Pilot Licence “It’s funny because I’ve spent my whole life staying away from
(with the third stage now achieved out of the four required) each big ships and when you work on a tug you’re underneath the
new milestone qualifies James to pilot alone vessels of an flare looking up at them. It’s interesting being in the high and low
increased size. pressure zones that the ship carries,” she says.
“I absolutely love my job,” says the father of three. “It’s a big Lydia’s role also involves all aspects of deck and line
challenge and that makes it so interesting. Every day is completely maintenance, including treating any rust and painting, as well
different; the tide, the wind, the vessel. The most valuable way of as rope splicing. “During shipping movements I’m an extra pair
learning is through practise so I've been working alongside the other of eyes and ears for the skipper and need to report to them any
experienced pilots here and the team’s been really welcoming.” hazards, for instance debris in the water and other boats, as well
as distances from the wharf and checking equipment on deck.
Each ship’s safe arrival and departure involves highly detailed
planning by the pilot. At sea they board from Port Nelson’s launch “I’d definitely like to further myself at Port Nelson and being a tug
while alongside, climbing the rope ladders while out in the bay to master’s certainly something I’d like to do in the future,” she adds.
take command in the wheelhouse.
In her spare time Lydia travels back to Kaikōura to visit her
James grew up in the Marlborough Sounds, spending lots of time friends and family, as well as enjoying walking her wirehaired
on boats, and attended Nelson College as a boarder, so was keen terrier Bob.
to move back here from Oz with his wife Sarah. After ten years of
commuting between Australia and Nelson, he’s delighted to be able
to pursue his life at sea, while still being around for his family.
8 PO T NELSON RE:PO T MA CH 2020
PAUL BOULTON SHEILA SCOTT
Forklift Operator, QuayPack Security Operator
When Paul Boulton came to work at QuayPack “You don’t have to be six foot tall and bulletproof
as a casual three years ago he wasn’t entirely a to work in security,” says former traffic cop and
stranger to the territory. In his previous role, Port police constable Sheila Scott. “Your best asset
Nelson had been a client of his, and he’d always is being a good communicator.”
been impressed with the high levels of organisation,
Fortunately that’s a huge strength of Port Nelson’s 1.65m-tall
safety and professionalism. So when in 2016 after Security Operator Sheila, whose job it is to help ensure Port
semi-retiring he heard of opportunities for work, Nelson’s boundaries and property remains protected, and that
he jumped at the chance to join the team. people’s safety while on site is paramount.
“I joined the Ministry of Transport in the days when there weren’t
Back then he was a container fitter, decking out the 20 footers
many women in the role and was one of the officers out on the
with giant flexible liners capable of carrying up to 24,000 litres of
road,” says the mother of two, who outside of her Port work
unbottled wine. It was a big change from a 40 year career in sales
teaches cycle safety to school children. “When the organization
and management but he loved the physical aspect of the job and
merged with the Police, I became a constable on general duties.
found the change from having previously worked seven days a week
I’d deal with all kinds of situations and all sorts of people.”
really refreshing.
The experience stands her in good stead for the highly varied
It wasn’t long before other doors at Port Nelson were opened in the
role at Port Nelson, which includes driving the shuttle service to
form of training opportunities, including gaining his forklift licence.
transport people across site, collecting crew from the working
“I’d driven one as a teenager but with such a large gap had forgotten
ships, carrying out routine security checks, making deliveries,
really,” says the father of one who loves to mountain bike and train
escorting contractors, helping visitors from cruise ships, and
at Victory Boxing during his spare time. “The Port was great in
verifying people’s identities.
encouraging me to upskill – it’s a very positive environment.”
“I have a lot to do with truck drivers here so my early training
Paul’s job now entails using the 8-tonne forklifts to manoeuvre
proves really useful,” says Sheila, who in her spare time is a keen
containers into place and setting out the rolls of flexible liners ready
cyclist and gym-goer. “I’m also used to dealing with people of all
to be fitted. He then shifts the containers into their specified areas
ages and backgrounds.”
for collection to be taken to the wineries for filling.
Sheila’s enthusiasm is hugely appreciated by her boss, Richard
“I love that I get to communicate with the truckies – I’m a real
Breen-Rickerby, aka Brick. “Often there is high demand placed on
people person,” adds Paul, a keen diver and fisherman who also
her and she always fronts up and delivers with passion,” he says.
enjoys spending time at his bach at Anakiwa. This is a quality that
He also notes how she also goes the extra mile – never doing
stands Paul in good stead for his other role at Port Nelson as one of
things by halves – and appreciates that she’s not afraid to assess
the organisation's Connectors. As part of this group Paul acts in a
processes and suggest ways things could be done differently.
guidance role, watching out for those around him and pointing them
in the right direction should they need support or guidance. “I love my role here because it’s outdoors, I’m dealing with people,
and you never quite know how the day’s going to roll,” she says.
It was through this role that he recently shared a very personal story
about his brother Danny in order to help raise awareness for Blue
September – an event to highlight the risks of prostate cancer.
(See pages 10 – 11.)
PO T NELSON RE:PO T MA CH 2020 9
Blue September – a beacon of hope
It stood as a beacon, Nelson’s lighthouse, an The drive towards this goal inspired a number of other activities
too, including the use of a Smoothie Bike to make healthy blueberry
icon repurposed blue in its new role to keep energy boosting beverages. The novel machinery works thanks to
people safe. This time its light wasn’t to warn some imaginative engineering by Amanda’s uncle, spruced up by
shipping, but to guard the community against the Port’s Workshop team, through which pedal power drives the
blades of a blender.
another avoidable disaster – deaths caused by
prostate cancer. “This tied-in well with the company’s Haurora (Wellbeing)
programme,” adds Amanda. “It was a fun way to get the message
The transformation in colour – quite a talking point throughout across and was even more memorable because the senior
the city – was part of Port Nelson’s initiative to highlight Blue management team – decked out in fancy dress we’d picked for
September, the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s annual awareness them – were the ones pedalling.” Among those was new CEO Hugh
and fundraising campaign. Morrison, who joined the Port during the second week of the initiative
and jumped aboard to pedal the message, sporting blue attire.
The Port’s support for the campaign began after a decision to
find where, at an organisational level, effort could be focused to What’s more, the team-wide company BBQ – which coincided
positively impact individual wellbeing. with the awareness month – also adopted a blue theme in
honour of the cause, as did the staff bake ups by Container Wash
“One in eight New Zealand men will develop prostate cancer in Handler Trevor Madsen.
their lifetime,” says Training Advisor Amanda Dykzeul, who headed
up the project. “Working on those same statistics for our workforce A number of the Port’s crew took to the water for the Blue September
here at the Port, we realised that could equate to 33 of our men.” Sea Swim, the Harbourmaster and Deputy Harbourmaster dressing
their boat with blue paraphernalia. Others manned the Port Nelson
After liaising with the Prostate Cancer Foundation and its local BBQ on the shoreline to help raise funds. Combined with in-house
support group, the People and Safety Team decided an effective donations and raffles, the team raised over $330 for the cause.
way in which it could influence the outcome for staff would be to
break down barriers to getting tested. As part of the overall campaign, a very personal message was also
heard – that of QuayPack Forklift Operator Paul Boulton, who sadly
“Early detection saves lives and a blood test is all it takes to lost his brother Danny to prostate cancer four years ago.
start the process,” adds Amanda. “Making time for a GP visit to
get a referral for a PSA blood test and then another follow up
appointment can be difficult both financially and logistically, so we
took away that first barrier by organising Medlab South to come
on site and offer free PSA testing for staff and for the results to be
sent direct to their GP's surgery where a Digital Rectal Examination Here at Port Nelson it was a truly
(DRE) could then be conducted. Over 30 people took this up, which collaborative team effort, with lots
is great to start off getting the two tests done annually.”
of people involved to ensure the
But the Port’s efforts didn’t stop there. Toolbox Meeting feedback success of the campaign.
– which is where the idea for the blue lighthouse originally began –
had suggested staff were keen for inter-team initiatives.
10 PO T NELSON RE:PO T MA CH 2020One of Port Nelson’s team of Connectors, Paul shared his
experiences at Toolbox Meetings. “It was a challenge to talk about
it but I felt pretty privileged to share his story in an attempt to push
PSA checks,” says Paul. “And for the Port to support getting the
message out there was amazing.”
The Connectors group of which Paul is a member, comprises a
number of volunteers throughout the Port team who participate
in special training to assist others with guidance around finding
support and advice in times of need.
“It didn't surprise me, the ability of our workforce to support a
campaign like Blue September because we're all very community-
minded and we look out for each other,” says Amanda.
“Special thanks to the Nelson Prostate Cancer Support Group for their
wisdom. And here at Port Nelson it was a truly collaborative team effort,
with lots of people involved to ensure the success of the campaign.
“I think for us as an organisation, the measure of success was the
number of people who got tested – many inspired to do so by Paul’s
words – and the number of conversations that this initiative opened
up. We are privileged to work alongside so many caring individuals.
It’s wonderful to work in an organisation that sees the value and
need in investing in wellbeing and supporting not only initiatives but
the resourcing behind it.”
Main Wharf North redevelopment underway
The $20 million redevelopment of Port Nelson’s accessible by road or air. This redevelopment will ensure the Port
can be operating in a limited capacity within days of a disaster,”
Main Wharf North will create long-lasting says Allanagh.
regional economic benefits and future-proof the
“Once completed the new section of the main wharf will assist in
region’s import and export sectors. enabling the Port to attract larger 260 to 270 metre goods vessels
and 300 metre cruise vessels, creating growth opportunities for
General Manager Infrastructure Allanagh Rivers says the Port’s
our importers, exporters and the community.”
investment in the Main Wharf North redevelopment will also
improve the Port’s resilience, move main wharf operations The existing 2400sqm Main Wharf North, which has deteriorated
further away from residential neighbours, and enable the Port to with age, was used predominantly for the discharging of fuel
accommodate larger vessels. vessels, and the tying up of the non-operational vessels.
“Port Nelson is a lifeline utility provider under the Civil Defence “With the condition of the wharf deteriorating and the importance
Emergency Management Act and in the event of a natural disaster of a fuel supply, the fuel berth was relocated to Main Wharf South in
would be critical during the recovery phase if the region was not 2016. Since then Main Wharf North has had no operational function,”
says Allanagh.
“The Port is committed to being a good neighbour and this
redevelopment will help mitigate and reduce the effects of noise
generated from Port operations. The additional footprint on the
main wharf means ships can be berthed further north and further
away from residential properties.
“The redevelopment of Main Wharf North also forms part of a
wider programme of works including the purchase of the new
70-tonne bollard pull tug, future crane replacement and proposed
additional dredging of the harbour channel.”
The first phase of the project is well underway with the demolition of
the old wharf, which will be replaced with a concrete and steel berthing
facility. The new section of the wharf will be operational by late 2020.
PO T NELSON RE:PO T MA CH 2020 11Seaspan New York
Mediterranean Shipping Company in Nelson
Next year Mediterranean Shipping Company MSC mitigates these challenges by calling weekly at Nelson, year-
round as part of its Kiwi Express service. This service arrives into
(MSC) celebrates 25 years in New Zealand. New Zealand from South East Asia laden with import containers
For much of this time it has been making regular from across the globe. Most New Zealand import cargo onboard is
weekly port calls into Nelson supporting the discharged at the first port of call in Auckland. That complete, the
vessel then sails onwards to Wellington and then Nelson, where
region’s local importers and exporters.
it arrives within the draught limitations of the Port. Nelson export
and import cargo is loaded and discharged, then the vessel departs
“Nelson and the surrounding areas play a vitally important role
onwards to Tauranga and Auckland, before leaving
within the New Zealand economy,” says Steve Wright, General
New Zealand shores for Brisbane and the major South East
Manager MSC New Zealand. “The produce and goods that are
Asian transshipment ports of Tanjung Pelepas and Singapore.
exported from this region, such as apples and wine, are absolutely
world-class and of the highest quality. We feel very privileged to be This service rotation also ensures some of the fastest possible
able to help facilitate the international trade of these commodities transit times from Nelson to many key international markets –
for our clients who we work very closely with.” essential when dealing with perishable cargo.
MSC has always had a strong working relationship with Port With the apple season set to begin in the coming weeks, MSC has
Nelson and the management team. This has been an essential been preparing for months in advance to assist clients with their
contributor to ensuring the liner service provided by MSC through shipments from Nelson. MSC’s reefer (refrigerated) container fleet
Port Nelson is as seamless as possible. is among the most modern in the world, and the company has
continually invested in state-of-the-art equipment and technology
The region produces significant volumes of sensitive export
to transport cargo securely and efficiently to its destination. Many
commodities and shipping these to destinations as far away as
of these new MSC reefer containers have already been deployed
the United Kingdom, Europe and the Americas comes with its own
across New Zealand.
logistical challenges, particularly at a tidal port like Nelson.
12 PO T NELSON RE:PO T MA CH 2020Perishable goods require precise temperature control to maintain The 23,000+ TEU new builds will have extensive reefer capacity
product quality all the way from origin to destination and globally but because they are expected to replace a significant number
every year MSC delivers over 1.8 million TEU (twenty-foot of 13,000 and 14,000 TEU vessels, will not necessarily increase
equivalent unit) of reefer cargo. MSC’s overall capacity. A number have already been launched in
2019, including MSC Gulsun, MSC Leni, MSC Samar, MSC Isabella
As a sure sign from MSC of further commitments to Nelson and
and MSC Mina.
its shippers, the company recently had one of the largest vessels
to ever call here. With a length of 260 metres and a beam of 32
metres, the Seaspan New York arrived at midday on 14 December Retrofitting the fleet to cut CO2
2019 and departed the following day, loaded with Nelson export
cargo to deliver to destinations across the globe. The call was emissions
extremely successful for all involved.
Looking ahead, the United Nations International Maritime
While MSC sends larger ships to Nelson, they pale in comparison Organization (UN IMO) has laid out ambitious policy targets to
to the new era of mega-vessels the firm has been building and CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions in the coming decades,
deploying in recent months across the global network. and the industry needs significant advancements in technology,
research and development in order to achieve the goals of the
second half of the century.
A modern, green and efficient fleet
As well as bringing in newer vessels, MSC has also been upgrading
Vessel size isn’t everything, but it helps. The next generation of ships the existing fleet of owned and operated ships to the latest
will make the MSC fleet more efficient and minimise emissions, standards of safety and fuel efficiency in a programme that started
bringing benefits to business, customers and the environment. in 2011, considerably reducing CO2 emissions.
The new builds arriving in MSC’s fleet will replace some older, This includes retrofitting more than 250 ships with energy-saving
smaller vessels. With some delivered in 2019, and more during technologies, including a specially designed bulbous bow, lighter
2020, they show MSC’s commitment to maintaining a modern, and more efficient propellers and new rudders designed to reduce
green, efficient and safe fleet, reducing the energy needed to drag. Hulls are treated with a silicon-based anti-fouling coating
transport each container, lowering both costs and CO2 emissions. to minimise not only friction, but also the need for underwater
This helps protect the environment and ensures MSC is ahead of cleaning and the risk of spread of invasive species. At the same
the curve in meeting new regulatory requirements. time, ship management centres retrofit main propulsion engines
to make them more efficient.
Complying with IMO 2020
The produce and goods that are
MSC has been preparing for years for the IMO 2020 regulation on
exported from this region, such as
sulphur content of fuel. The fleet will use compliant low-sulphur
apples and wine, are absolutely fuel and the company has been explaining this to clients since
world-class and of the highest quality. 2018 in the formula for its Bunker Recovery Charge (BRC).
We feel very privileged to be able to At the same time, the firm has prudently invested in EGCS
help facilitate the international trade (more commonly known as ‘scrubbers’) for a significant portion
of these commodities for our clients of its owned fleet, in order to ensure it crossed the regulation’s
1 January 2020 deadline with minimal disruption.
who we work very closely with.
Story supplied by MSC.
Seaspan New York MSC Gulsun
PO T NELSON RE:PO T MA CH 2020 13Run like Tanya
Tanya Bottomley’s story is truly one of triumph
over adversity. She still vividly remembers a time
when she was so desperately depressed she
could barely get out of bed. The young mum had
hit an all time low when, off the cuff, her sister
suggested she take up running and what’s more
challenge herself to a marathon that was just
three months away.
Somehow the suggestion struck a chord with the then 24-year-old, At each of the events, messages of support from family and
who as a youngster had been a keen gymnast. Her first steps friends have helped fortify her. And providing refuge at her aid
towards a new-found confidence were to the library, from where she station – sheltered by the Port Nelson tent – have been her
borrowed books about training for such an event. The appeal quickly loyal supporters, including her sister who first inspired her to
took a grip and despite the cold of winter and also struggling take up running, and her new partner Ben, also a trail runner and
having battled to quit smoking, she took to training and discovered adventurer, who’s helped provide back-up at every race.
the healing qualities of gaining confidence through running.
“Each one has been hard, but that’s the whole point I think – you
Although not meeting her sister’s full challenge due to an injury, have to overcome stuff,” says the mother of two, whose average
Tanya was elated to successfully complete a half marathon. week of training currently consists of two half-hour speed runs,
Twelve years on, she’s now three quarters of the way to becoming two gym sessions for strength, a weekly longer run of up to two
the first woman to complete New Zealand’s toughest running test, hours, and the occasional over 40km run thrown in for fun. “These
the Thir Southern Seasons Miler Challenge – four 100 mile races events are a challenge of problem-solving because things come
(160km), all within 12 months. And Port Nelson has been there to up – injuries, tiredness – but it’s a case of fighting the fires as they
help in her endeavours. appear and getting through them.”
“Once I’d decided to take on this challenge I knew I was going to Tanya is no stranger to adversity. “The whole reason I’d become
need help to make it happen,” says Customs Officer Tanya, who’d so low all those years ago was because I’d been in a destructive
previously worked as a security guard at Port Nelson. “The big thing relationship. I’d lost all confidence and self-worth because I’d
for me at that point was getting coaching because expert knowledge constantly been worn down. When I discovered running it was a
was going to be key to getting me through. It’s a lot to put on the body. new sense of freedom for me. It kept me sane. It gave me time out
and space. I was running with this grim determination and it gave
“So when I contacted the Port and they said that among other
me something to think about so that I didn’t have to deal with what
support they’d also cover the costs of a coach it was amazing. I
was going on at home.”
really do credit a lot of my success to the coaching. It’s got me this
far without injuring myself or overdoing it, which can be a huge Tanya went on to enter a number of other events, marathons and
risk. So having Carlos Kueroa from Running Hot Coaching to give ultra marathons. “It was an awesome confidence builder and I
me structured training and keep me safe, uninjured and get me was reasonably fast, usually ranking quite well in my age group.
through the races has been key.” Whereas at home I was facing constant criticism, I could go and
do this thing where I could have fun and was good at something,
Carlos had already completed the challenge himself, so knew what
building confidence along the way.”
would be in store for Tanya. The pair have been keeping in touch
regularly via video calls and emails. Having left her relationship and relocated from Auckland to Nelson,
Tanya’s completely turned her life around. “With each race I just
It was in May 2019 that Tanya initially tested her resolve in the first
feel so much stronger and more powerful. That’s also thanks to the
of the event’s four races – the Old Forest Hanmer 100. It took her
work I’ve been doing with hypnotherapy.
just under 26 hours to complete and, despite pain along the way,
she loved the whole experience. “It was amazing. I didn’t know “The running and the challenge are still such an important part of
what to expect, everything was a milestone. The longest I’d run my healing, and because I’ve grown in confidence and strength,
up to that was 85km, so when I got to 140km in the race I was I’ve been able to put my personal story out there too, sharing with
thinking ‘I could do this!’” others how this all started.”
The second race, the Great Naseby Water Race in August was In the process of this latest part of her journey she’s also been raising
much more of an endurance experience for Tanya, who struggled funds for Shine, New Zealand’s largest nation-wide organisation
throughout with an injury and tiredness, but still finished in 27 that supports and helps women and children experiencing family
hours, well within the 48 allowed to complete each one. violence. “They helped me and my girls and everything I raise goes
to the 0800 national phone line through which they can connect
By the third event, the Krayzie Kapers in Christchurch in November,
people all over the country with local services. It’s for anyone affected
she’d sought additional help from a local hypnotherapist, whose
by domestic violence – whether it’s the person themselves or
work enabled her to powernap with the aid of a short recording to
colleagues, friends or relatives concerned about someone they know.”
which she would listen to sleep. She finished the race in 36 hours
despite heat exhaustion, gut problems and severe blisters.
14 PO T NELSON RE:PO T MA CH 2020Tanya’s now feeling positive about the last of the challenges – the Tanya, who has a popular blog ‘Run Like Tanya’ which logs her
Northburn 100 – which takes place in March in Cromwell, which progress and the hurdles she faces along the way, has the catch
will see competitors climb and descend the equivalent of 10,000m. phrase ‘Happy, limitless and free’. “Running is still part of my
healing. And it takes me to some amazing places. I do feel limitless
“Completing this series represents for me the challenges I’ve
now, I really do. It’s about the freedom I didn’t used to have, and I
overcome in my life that have made me stronger. The feeling that
hope that along the way I can be an example to everyone that life
when things aren’t going well ‘this too shall pass’.”
can be better and that they can go out and achieve their goals.”
After the last ‘miler’ as she calls them, Tanya is planning another
big run to raise awareness around the issue of domestic violence.
“I’m in the process of building a charity to provide free coaching and
support for women who’ve come from domestic violence situations
to help them get into trail running because I’ve gained so much from
Completing this series represents for
it that’s helped me through,” says the mum of two. “The confidence,
discipline and health benefits are just part of it because it’s also me the challenges I’ve overcome in my
an amazing community and often women who’ve come from that life that have made me stronger.
situation feel very isolated. It will be a charity of hope because that’s
what my story is; surviving and coming out the other side stronger.”
Golf Day boosts Coastguard closer to
new rescue vessel
As a proud supporter of the Nelson Volunteer Coastguard, Port Nelson has been delighted to have
raised nearly $40,000 for the organisation in the last two years, which will go towards the costs
involved in its brand new, purpose-built vessel.
The funds were raised through two Nelson Port and Transport “The availability of the harbourmasters 24/7 for assistance is
Industry Charity Golf Tournaments, an annual competition which another important part of the synergy between our organisations.
has become an institution within the city’s business circles. In the We do joint training with the harbourmasters, including our crew
latest event, 29 teams of four people took advantage of the superb training on their vessel, which means we can maximise our
weather to enjoy the greens and hospitality along the way, which response – the more eyes looking for someone in the water makes
included fare from some of the finest local producers. a huge difference.”
The events, which are generously supported by donations from As is tradition after two years, Port Nelson announces a new
local businesses and other companies associated with the Port, recipient of the annual fundraising golf event – and for the next
were organised by Customer and Marketing Specialist Jennie two tournaments this will be Life Linc, a small local charity which
Harrison. Valued assistance on the day was given by a number of provides affordable, professional counselling to individuals and
volunteers from the Port’s team, as well as from Westpac and the couples who would not otherwise be able to access it.
Nelson Coastguard themselves.
This year’s event raised $20,000, with $13,570 of that coming from
the auction alone. This included a number of donated items and
a mix of experiences such as boat rides involving Port vessels.
Especially popular was a tug boat experience with a member of the
Tasman Mako rugby team on board.
“The ongoing support from Port Nelson with the provision of a
berth for the rescue vessel and security provided is huge for us,”
says Nelson Coastguard President Pete Kara. “It gives us quick
access and means we can get underway with minutes. That
support, 24-hours a day, seven days a week, in itself is invaluable
to us and makes a massive difference to saving lives. To take that
support further by having a fundraiser is fantastic. This is the first
purpose-built rescue vessel for Nelson and the money raised will
go a long way in its construction.
PO T NELSON RE:PO T MA CH 2020 15You can also read
