Readying for the future

E:PO T

MARCH 2019

A few short months in and 2019 has already been demanding with a bumper cruise and superyacht season, earlier than usual starts to the apple and wine seasons, the commencement of a number of redevelopment projects and introduction of new technologies across the Port.

The hot summer has kept our Harbour Master and Coastguard busy with the community enjoying sunny days by the beach or in the water, and Tasman Bay hosting significant events like the annual Port Nelson Sea Swims and International Flying Dutchman Sailing championships.

The extended dry spell has also meant challenging times for the region, with unprecedented fires in Pigeon Valley causing damage to farmland and export forestry plots, evacuations and unease in the community, and drought conditions impacting regional primary industry such as apples, hops and wine. While the full impact is still to be assessed, it has been heartening to see the community come together to aid each other and all of us at Port Nelson will work to support our customers and community as appropriate and where required.

Looking further ahead, 2019 is going to be an exciting year with the recent $29 million commitment Port Nelson has made toward capital investment to future-proof the Port and in doing so, facilitate regional growth. As you will read in this issue, the investment will fund a much needed redevelopment of Main Wharf North, purchase of simulator technologies and the purchase of a Damen ASD Tug 2411. These new assets and upgrades are essential to ensure Port Nelson meets the demand of larger vessels calling at the port, as well as lifting earthquake resilience.

As ever, the commitment and enthusiasm of our staff who have hit the new year running, enable our drive for continuous improvement and internal journey to excellence.

I hope you enjoy reading this latest issue of Re:Port: Readying for the future.

Martin ByrneChief Executive OfficerPort Nelson

3 New Director welcomed to the Board

3 Cruise season shines

READYING FOR THE FUTURE

4 Capital investment to facilitate regional growth

5 Safe navigation of ships is top priority

6 Building a resilient wharf for the future

7 Vision and vigour: a brief history

8 Driving an agile innovation culture

9 Staff profiles

11 Nelson Tasman – where the ordinary is extraordinary

12 Batting for the community

12 Port Nelson recognised among global super ports

13 40th anniversary Port Industry Association conference heads to Nelson

14 Swinging into action

15 Nelson Volunteer Coastguard

15 Safety on our seas

As we reflect on a successful 2018 which saw another record-breaking year of 121,483 TEU and $67.2 million revenue earned in the financial year, it is important to continue the momentum and focus on strategic growth and resilience for the future.

F OM THE CEO

CONTENTS

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Blessing of the fleet ceremony 2018

PO T NELSON RE:PO T MARCH 20192

Re:Port is proudly produced by HotHouse Creative (www.hothouse.co.nz), Fiona Terry (Writer) and Tim Cuff Photography (www.timcuff.com).

New Director welcomed to the Board

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 vessels arrive, the excitement isn’t limited to those on board.

“The feedback we get from passengers is that they love 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, from visiting the national parks, to wine tasting tours, cycling, and cultural city experiences – there’s so much to do here. The crews enjoy their visits too, and hopefully they’ll spread word to their guests about what a fabulous place this is.”

By the time the current season comes to an end in March, McGlashen Quay will have welcomed eight visits by such vessels, enabling over 5,000 passengers and 3,000 crew to access the region – a significant boost to the local economy through expenditure in the region estimated for 2018 – 2019 alone to be worth $2 million.

Nelson tends to attract high-end luxury, boutique cruises, as well as a number of visiting superyachts. The largest vessel in terms of passenger numbers has been the Maasdam, which carries 1,200 in addition to a crew of 580. With the improvements to Main Wharf and the larger towage capacity afforded by the new tug boat’s arrival, the Port will be even better equipped to accommodate larger vessels of this kind.

“We like to ensure everyone gets a happy visit here,” says Harbour Master Dave Duncan. “That includes providing easy access to the city, helicopters, tour buses and being really aware of the expectations. The customer service for those getting on and off the ships has improved considerably and that’s come with practise.”

Geoff Dangerfield joins Port Nelson as a member of the Board of Directors at an exciting point in the organisation’s development, he says.

“In my short time on the Board there’ve been some critical infrastructure investments coming across the table and it’s been great to be involved in that,” he says. “Although I knew before I started how important the Port is to the wellbeing of the top of the South Island, being in this role has reinforced for me the critical role it plays in the regional economy.”

As former Chief Executive of New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), Geoff is no stranger to the industry. “The reason I was interested in a role with Port Nelson is that I’m keen on how the whole transport system works, ports in particular. Port Nelson is incredibly important to its hinterland, so it has to be as efficient as it can be to provide a good service to exporters and others.

“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, with dedicated staff working hard to provide a good service.”

In addition, Geoff – who replaces Steve Sanderson – chairs the Audit and Risk Committee of Oranga Tamariki, Ministry for Children, and also the Major Outsourced Contracts Advisory 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 Advisor to the Prime Minister, and earlier still was Economic and Financial Analyst/Manager to The Treasury.

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.

We like to ensure everyone gets a happy visit here.Dave Duncan, Harbour Master

Cruise season shines

The Maasdam arrives into Port Nelson. Photo by Karen Morris

Capital investment to facilitate regional growthOver 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 in order for it to remain a thriving regional gateway, and that’s one reason why the imminent arrival of the new tug boat (also see page 6) is so crucial.

“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,” says General Manager Operations Matt McDonald.

The largest container vessel ever to have called at Port Nelson was the Harrier Hunter in March 2018, at 262m-long. To accommodate this, all three tugs were deployed – the Tōia, Huria Matenga and the WH Parr, and some very tight restrictions were involved around the time of day it could dock, according to tides and weather conditions.

“Having those kind of restrictions is not a realistic way to operate a regular shipping service,” says Matt.

Given that only a portion of Main Wharf is usable for loading and unloading vessels, there were further restrictions around which part of the Harrier Hunter would be accessible to the cranes in Nelson for safe depositing of the containers portside. As a result it was necessary for some to be moved into position on board while docked at the previous port, causing double-handling and extra expense for the shipping line.

With the new tug boat and longer facility once the upgrade to Main Wharf North is complete (see page 6), Port Nelson will be much better placed to receive vessels of this size or even larger in future. And as the infrastructure grows, so too do career opportunities.

“With two big tugs – the Tōia and the new vessel – we will have enough capacity to handle the big ships and also increase the safety margin on the smaller ones, given the increase in power,” says Harbour Master Dave Duncan. “That’s an important factor for us.

“There will be training for the pilots and tug masters, giving chance for those coming through to be part of that growth in the future.”

Playing a role in assisting with this will be the Kongsberg Bridge Simulator, installed at the marine training department of Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology – which creates a highly realistic simulation of the harbour as seen from a ship, creating a 270-degree view from a virtual bridge, including wharves and main navigational hazards. A new tidal modelling programme has been purchased for this by the Port to further enhance training opportunities, and in addition, a simulator at the NZ Maritime School in Auckland is proving useful too.

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.

READYING FO THE FUTU E

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 priorityWith 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.

In keeping with having the ability to accommodate bigger ships, 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.

“At present we’re fairly limited in our capacity to safely bring in larger vessels, so to continue to service the lines we have calling that have approached us regarding bigger ships, we’re currently scoping a Resource Consent to complete Capital Dredging, likely in three new areas, just outside our existing footprint,” says Environmental Officer Kelly Leonard.

The proposed work is all beneath high water, so no visible changes would be evident, should the Resource Consent be granted. That includes the areas adjacent to the Boulder Bank and Haulashore Island, which from above the watermark will remain as they currently appear.

“There’s no overall deepening required either,” adds Kelly. “What we’re proposing is to dredge three new areas that run alongside the width we’re currently allowed to remove sediment from to increase the safety margins for larger vessels and expand the safe operating windows in terms of weather.

“This is all about the safe navigation of ships. Everyone remembers the photos from Rena – we know what happens when ships don’t navigate safely.”

The works proposed under the Resource Consent application would include removing an arc in the approach to The Cut, giving vessels a simpler line of approach, as well as increasing the scope for turning vessels inside the lee of Haulashore Island, which offers some protection from the wind, rather than turning them in the area near the wharf, called the ‘swing basin’.

Investigations are currently underway to understand the changes to the physical environment, including the effect on tidal currents, as well as any potential ecological aspects, with both the Cawthron Institute, and MetOcean engaged as part of this.

Workshops will be run to share the findings of the scientific information – including with iwi, environmental stakeholders and members of the public – with opportunities for feedback to create collaborative outcomes, and to raise any areas of concern.

“These ships are going to come to New Zealand and if we can’t accept them we’ll be restricted to receiving only the smaller ships,” adds Kelly. “That adds time and costs for our regional exporters to then have their produce moved to larger vessels elsewhere, so it’s important we continue to serve the region as best we can and don’t get left behind.”

Dredge outlines are subject to change

The Polar Ecuador berths at Port Nelson's Main Wharf South. Photo by Eugene Beneke

5PO  T NELSON  RE:PO  T  MARCH 2019

Building a resilient wharf for the futureWork to rebuild Port Nelson’s Main Wharf North is scheduled to begin in May, with completion earmarked for June 2020.

The multi-million dollar investment will see the century-old wooden structure replaced with a robust concrete and steel berthing facility, that will not only enable larger vessels to dock and be serviced efficiently, but is also designed to withstand the impact of earthquakes.

The upgrade comes as part of a $29 million package to future-proof the Port, which is not just good news for the organisation, but for the health of the region as a whole. Included in this is a new, more powerful tug boat, which is due to arrive in April.

With cargo vessels increasing in size and that trend likely to continue, it’s essential that Nelson’s facilities not only keep pace, but are also capable of efficiently handling potential further advances. With the new tug – a Damen with capacity of 70 tonnes bollard pull – and the completion of the wharf, the Port will be well equipped to accommodate vessels up to 270m in length.

It will be very much a case of business as usual throughout the construction process. “We are working with the preferred supplier around a programme which allows an element of disruption for ship movements,” says General Manager Infrastructure Allanagh Rivers. “The majority of our vessel calls are made over the weekend, which plays very much in our favour because our resource consent allows for construction from Monday to Saturday between 7am and 7pm. The contractor and our operations teams will be talking on a daily basis to ensure that as best as possible everyone knows what vessels are coming and when, as things in the shipping world can change at short notice, for instance due to weather.”

Throughout the project, some larger vessels will still need to dock at Main Wharf South but where possible use will be made of Brunt Quay for smaller ships. Those transporting logs will continue to dock at Kingsford Quay alongside the log storage area, and cruise ships will use McGlashen Quay, with Main Wharf South also available should it be needed.

The existing ageing structure has been unusable for anything other than light storage for some years. The replacement section

will adjoin Main Wharf South, which was rebuilt in 1998 and to which a further 60m was added in 2008. Once this latest redevelopment is complete, the entire length of the heavy-duty 280m stretch will simply be known as Main Wharf.

“Completion of the new section will enable us to service larger vessels without having any movement or efficiency issues,” adds Allanagh.

Another significant advantage of the new wharf area will be that it is to be constructed to such exacting standards it will improve earthquake resilience for the region, allowing movements of goods in and out to continue in the case of a natural disaster.

The project will be completed in four sections, starting at the northern end, with that demolished initially and work undertaken to lessen the angle of the batter/revetment slope to reduce the chance of erosion from the sea or slumpage. With that achieved, the contractors will then drive piles for the replacement section, while at the same time begin dismantling the next. “Effectively when the last part is coming down the contractors will be pouring the concrete surface for the first stage,” says Allanagh. “It’s a robust work programme and more manageable than rebuilding the whole thing at once.”

Although the footprint of the new structure will be exactly the same as the old, with length and width identical in measurement, its level will be raised by 300mm to match that of the current Main Wharf South.

It was the arrival of the 262m-long Harrier Hunter in March last year that highlighted the need to invest, with expressions of interest already to potentially bring that sized vessel on a more frequent basis.

A preferred supplier has been identified. “They have very good references and have completed wharf construction projects all across Asia Pacific, as well as in Australia,” adds Allanagh.

“This project involved decisions around where we see the Port’s future. There are ageing assets that we needed to start replacing and it just happens that it’s coincided with shipping companies indicating they want to bring in larger vessels. We see this as future-proofing the Port.”

The new Damen tug which is due to arrive in April

100M TO BE REPLACED

MAIN WHARF SOUTH

SHED 2

MAIN WHARF NORTH

BRUNT QUAY

6 PO  T NELSON  RE:PO  T  MARCH 2019

Vision and vigour: a brief historyIt took vision and vigour to make the Port the success it is today. The Europeans on board the ships that arrived in the early 1840s could never have imagined how it would grow or the volumes that would pass through.

By 1843 it was already a bustling harbour, with three main jetties under construction, having cleared at least 25,000 tonnes of shipping.

From 1859 to 1860 a new Government Wharf was built, extending 116m seaward, but within 14 years it had deteriorated and was beyond repair.

For many years the Port’s ability to increase volume of trade had been hampered by lack of finance, however, the Nelson Harbour Board formed in 1901, to steer it on its future path. One of its first major jobs was to make the approach to the harbour more straightforward and it tackled this by creating The Cut in the Boulder Bank, which had its official ‘opening’ in 1906.

As years went on, soaring volumes passing through were boosted by the region’s production of fruit and its growing timber industry.

The Port has seen the construction and deletion of a number of wharves over the years but work towards the one we know today

as Main Wharf began initially in 1876, the concept for which was originally known as the Railway Wharf, initially an L-shape, but an extension to form a T-shape came in 1911.

The profile of land around the Port as we’d recognise it today however, owes much to William Henry Parr, QSO, who in 1948, as the then newly appointed Secretary-Manager, produced a report that sparked major change. It called for a massive development involving more land, a deeper harbour and more wharf space. As a result of this report, in 1960 dignitaries were able to stand on an area successfully reclaimed from the sea, to open McGlashen Quay and also mark the successful reclamation.

The Port was booming. Kingsford Quay, at 243m long and extending off McGlashen Quay, was opened in 1970. These wharves were named after former Harbour Board Chairman MH McGlashen, and his predecessor AR Kingsford. Brunt Quay followed, opening in 1973.

Port Nelson Ltd replaced the Nelson Harbour Board in 1988 as a shared community asset, owned jointly by Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council. The passion and vision that have helped shape the Port into the facility it is today lives on in those who’re now at the helm, committed to see its further development and ensure it continues to thrive as the regional gateway to the rest of the world.

Old world meets new world as the Europa cruise and Spirit of New Zealand cross paths in the Tasman Bay

7PO  T NELSON  RE:PO  T  MARCH 2019

Words like ‘sprint’, ‘flexible’ and ‘agile’ are prominent in the team’s language in finding business solutions for their customers. Also key to the way they operate, he says, is that advancements in what they create are made incrementally.

“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 to help with. I’m very protective of the fact we’re not an IT team, and emphasise that our work is more around developing good solutions. Those might be process-based – in terms of changing the way something’s done – but more often than not there’s a technology element too.”

Last year the successful creation of Voyager, new software that revolutionised Port Nelson’s labour allocation processes, was one of the projects implemented by the team. Previously these were completed in paper format, a time-consuming process, especially if for instance a vessel’s arrival time changes.

“We work with our customers – whether internal or external – to find out what’s needed, aiming to deliver on the highest priority requirements initially, then expand on that with continued collaboration as the project progresses,” says Reagan. “Each new 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, therefore potentially limiting expenditure on unnecessary features.

“Rather than creating a completed system from day one, it’s about producing a solution to the main requirements initially and then being agile enough to adapt it with incremental changes that can lead to further improvements.”

Increasingly this has led the department to form partnerships with smaller key technology vendors, which also have the ability to be nimble, responsive, and more adaptive to change.

The department is now forging ahead with another innovative development, Pelorus – a new mobile application offering customers monitoring and management through live port data, with security underpinned by the utilisation of encrypted information, in the form of blockchain technology.

A prototype presented last year has now progressed to the next phase, with further development of a working application that can be run on a device currently being developed in collaboration with a winery, ready for full market operation by winter. Once the system has been adapted and tested, it will be expanded to more customers.

“As a concept we have received great support for Pelorus at Executive and Board level. It has potential to add value not just in terms of better process and transparency for external customers but also in terms of revenue.”

The technology is revolutionary, but Reagan stresses it’s not a race.

“Delivering solutions with speed, agility, and being responsive are all important qualities, but for us it’s not about being first. It’s about how quickly we respond to changes that come along and how we at Port Nelson are trying to add value and taking new approaches to customer offerings.”

Driving an agile innovation cultureAn 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.

“We work with our customers to find out what’s needed, aiming to deliver on the highest priority requirements initially, then expand on that with continued collaboration as the project progresses.Reagan Pattison, Business Systems Manager

PO T NELSON RE:PO T MARCH 20198

JOHN IVE Forklift Operator: Container Terminal

John Rive had planned to semi-retire when he emigrated from the UK in 2003. Little did he know when he started at Port Nelson a year later as a casual, he would go on to become the company’s longest-serving full-time Container Terminal Forklift Operator.

His job, which he loves for the variety it offers, predominantly involves moving empty containers once they’ve been unloaded from ships in order for them to be quickly assessed for works needed and transferred between departments, whether for steam-cleaning or repairs. Prioritising movement so that each is turned around in optimal time is aided these days by onboard computers, the addition of which has been a significant change during his service. The modernisation of vehicles, now incorporating tinted windows and air-conditioning, has also been a welcome progression over the years, he says.

John’s position was made permanent and full-time in 2005 during a busy apple season. Over the course of his years, he’s also worked in the Quarantine section covering a staff member’s sick leave, before returning to the yard to drive high stacker forklifts.

“I grew up on a potato farm in Jersey so had been used to driving heavy machinery from an early age,” says John, now a grandfather of four, who prior to emigrating had run his own farm on the English Channel Islands.

Volumes of goods passing through the port, notably wine, timber and MDF, have increased hugely since he started. “There’re always different things going on which makes it interesting here and I work with a good bunch of lads,” he says.

Outside of work, John’s partner Chrissy regularly encourages him out walking and cycling, though gardening and DIY tends to dominate his spare time.

Staff profiles

OLIVIA CA SONTraining Coordinator: Stevedoring Team

Olivia Carson is delighted to now be the owner of a pair of steel toe-capped boots. She wears them with pride in her new role as Training Coordinator for Stevedoring. While her work is mostly office-based, it hasn’t taken her long to wear-in the boots, heading out to meet the teams working with the vessels and even helping on a couple of shifts, getting to know the ropes.

“Port Nelson has an incredibly strong reputation nationwide for its Stevedoring team, with the skills they bring and the standards they maintain. For me there’s a real responsibility to ensure that continues with the best training and education opportunities, but also that we’re striving for continual improvement with process and safety. Training is a massive part of that.”

Olivia sees her role with the 130 stevedores very much as helping individuals achieve their potential, as well as ensuring the operational needs of such a diverse business are met, with considerable thought given to succession planning. “The level of skill required in most of the roles is phenomenal. I love to impact people positively and I think my job offers a great opportunity to do that.”

Having started in October last year, Olivia was previously at NMIT where she was Programme Coordinator for Commerce students, helping them on their path to success. With a Bachelor of Commerce herself, as well as a tertiary teaching qualification, experience as a small business owner, and roles in the coffee industry which saw her travel the world as an international competition judge, she brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Outside of work, Olivia loves spending time with family and friends, as well as walking her labrador/collie cross Lotus and enjoying the Nelson region.

PO T NELSON RE:PO T MARCH 2019 9

NIKKI ACKLEYHR Advisor: People & Safety Team

When Nikki Rackley heard she’d been successful in her application to become Port Nelson’s HR Advisor she was delighted she was joining an organisation that was not only growing quickly, but also had a reputation as one of the region’s valued employers.

“There’s an awesome team here,” says Nikki, who started in the spring of last year and has a Bachelor of Commerce endorsed in Human Resource Development from the University of Canterbury. “I had a really good bunch of people in my last HR role at New Zealand King Salmon, so it was really important I moved to a company that also had a supportive team and emphasis on personal development.”

Nikki’s role at Port Nelson involves overseeing many aspects relating to the people who work in the business, including recruitment, employment relations, development, performance management, 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 situations occurring frequently that require HR support.

What she loves most about her work is helping people realise their full potential and finding the right staff to join as new recruits, which ultimately she hopes will influence the business’ development.

Nikki moved back to her home town over four years ago after some time working in London for a private equity company, where she gained valuable people skills. She took these to her role at New Zealand King Salmon, where she worked as part of a bigger HR team covering over 500 employees.

Loving life back in her home town, she enjoys cooking, spending time with her friends and extended family, and walking her pug, Bear.

NEIL KETCHENSkilled Hand: Workshop Team

With such a diverse range of facilities at Port Nelson, having a Workshop team with many practical skills is vital. That’s one of the reasons Skilled Hand Neil Ketchen fits in so well. With a background not only as a trained carpenter and licenced builder, but also a fully qualified aircraft engineer, his experience is broad.

Neil joined the Port nearly two years ago and in that time has not only been involved in fixing things, but also in building completely new structures – most recently creating a new pontoon for the pilot boat.

“My job’s basically to fix and build things,” says Neil, who greatly appreciates the facilities within the Port’s new purpose-built Workshop. “Carpentry’s my main role but we all do a wee bit of engineering ourselves. Mechanical knowledge is a big advantage because of the range of equipment we work on.

“The job’s completely varied and that’s what I love. One day we 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 office whiteboard, or out repairing a gate,” he says.

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 helicopter crewman during his 12 years in the Air Force, he’s used to dealing with emergencies.

Outside of work he’s been studying for his skipper’s ticket, a 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, enjoying carving Oamaru stone, and more recently crafting the new, prized trophies for the Port’s Annual Golf Tournament (see page 14).

Staff profiles (continued)

PO T NELSON RE:PO T MARCH 201910

Nelson Tasman – where the ordinary is extraordinaryWhen 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 emphasise what an extraordinary place it is and highlights five key features or ‘pillars’ that together, create a core identity or ‘story’ to portray its points of difference. The platform the Identity creates can be used by anyone in the community to support their marketing, therefore unifying businesses and other organisations in spreading the region’s unique story.

“When people know who you are and what you’re about, they engage, share and spread the word more readily and easily,” says Hannah Norton, Destination Identity Manager at the Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA).

“Through having a collective identity and inspiring the sharing of that, we can work more effectively together to attract talent, investment and visitors, adding value to the region and contributing to Nelson Tasman’s extraordinary future.”

The five pillars are Clever Business, Stunning Natural Landscapes, Surprisingly Diverse, Arts and Artisans, and Highly Connected. With each given a corresponding story, examples, and colour code, those involved in each sector can utilise the associated tools in 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.”

Port Nelson is an important part in the initiative, being a focus of so many of the pillars – for instance as a vital component of the Arts and Artisans (as a gateway to the world for exports), to Clever Business (adding to the arenas of research, science and technology), Stunning Natural Landscapes (enabling those arriving by cruise ships to enjoy the region), and of course Highly Connected (linking Nelson Tasman to the rest of the world).

The NRDA is a Council-controlled organisation, owned by Nelson City Council (NCC), with additional funding from Tasman District Council. It aims to enhance the sustainable economic vitality of the region by partnering with the public and private sectors in the attraction and retention of talent, visitors and investment.

“I see the NRDA as a key connector within the Nelson Tasman business community,” says Port Nelson CEO Martin Byrne, who 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 merger of the former Economic Development Agency and Nelson Tasman Tourism. “The NRDA is a key information point across the visitor, investment, innovation, talent and business development functions within Nelson Tasman,” he adds.

The Seabourn Encore arrives into Port Nelson

PO T NELSON RE:PO T MARCH 2019 11

Batting 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 holiday programme activities, held at the Indoor Centre at Saxton Field. The financial contribution also covered the cost of 100 new sets of cricket bats, balls and wickets, as well as helping with funding for further holiday programmes and special events in modified formats such as beach cricket – which this summer has involved members of the Black Caps. It also helped facilitate clubs working with primary schools in introductory cricket lessons.

The association’s junior programme covers activities for kids 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 support has been invaluable,” says General Manager of the 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

taught the right skills too. Learning these early makes the game easier as they get older and more enjoyable.”

Nelson has a rich cricket history, with newspaper reports of games dating back to 1844.

“We have a lot of good young players, both male and female, who’re progressing through to playing for Central Districts and the path for our players is to move on within their representative teams and then on to national level,” adds David, who himself has played first class cricket for Central Districts.

“The Association is hugely appreciative of the relationship and sponsorship from Port Nelson. Without it we could not deliver the extensive programme to junior cricketers.”

Port Nelson recognised among global super portsThe team at Port Nelson were delighted when the new QuayConnect Patterson Logistics Centre was announced as one of just six finalists in the Lloyd’s List Asia Pacific Awards new port infrastructures category, the most prestigious event of its kind in the maritime industry.

Shortlisting for the ‘2018 Port Infrastructure Development of the Year’ was based on the benefits the facility has brought to the region, and diversification in port development, as well as in sustainability.

The logistics model, which has been made possible thanks to the construction of the two new purpose-built, state-of-the-art warehouses on Vickerman Street totalling 23,000m2, has become 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

wine region, with a corresponding reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

“Among the other five finalists were the VICT Australia, which is a completely automated container terminal,” says CEO Martin Byrne, who attended the grand awards ceremony in Singapore with other members of the team and alongside other New Zealand finalist, ContainerCo. “All the others are Asian super ports, so it was a significant achievement that Nelson was among those recognised.”

The facility is no stranger to awards, last year having secured two nationally for its freight logistics model, as well as selection as a finalist in a third.

Although initially designed to optimise opportunities from growing wine volumes, the facility is increasingly benefiting other regional businesses wanting their brand to benefit from cost and carbon savings.

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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 member organisations’ Human Resources, Health & Safety, and Stevedore teams, was hosted by Port Nelson and ran across two days, preceded by an AGM.

With the theme ‘Workforce development, innovation and technology’, delegates were welcomed by Matt McDonald, Port Nelson’s General Manager Operations, and enjoyed thought-provoking presentations by experts in the fields of wellbeing, safety, innovation and fatigue.

Being the 40th year of the event, a special photo montage celebrated the organisation’s milestone at a gala dinner. In addition, the Association’s longest serving member Don Howard, Managing Director of Independent Stevedoring, gave a talk on the organisation’s history. Opening this part of the event was the Minister for Transport and Minister for Housing and Urban Development Hon Phil Twyford, who not only discussed future plans for Maritime New Zealand but also talked of the importance of the shipping industry and ports to the New Zealand economy.

Organised by Port Nelson’s Customer and Marketing Specialist Jennie Harrison, the conference also showcased the region with a day-long tour for all delegates to some of the key regional players 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.

“It was great to have so many local businesses involved, they were all very welcoming and eager to show off the best of the region.”

Following a tour of the Port facilities, led by Container Operations Manager Jonny Cook and Container Terminal Supervisor Hayden Grainger, delegates were complimentary, saying how impressed they were, especially with the safety record and speed at which Port Nelson has developed.

“Hosting the conference meant that different members of our staff could join the talks, which was a huge bonus,” says Shelley Spencer, Port Nelson's People & Safety General Manager, who is on the Board of Directors for the Association. “The session on safety management and fatigue by specialist Dr Matthew Thomas was especially of interest as we currently have a fatigue management programme being implemented.”

Unofficially launched at the event was Worksafe Port Tool, a new interactive, online facility to assist with port health and safety, the development of which has been a collaborative effort by Worksafe NZ, ACC, PIA and a number of New Zealand ports.

The conference is very important to the industry as a whole, not least because it’s the only annual event where all the ports come together for matters regarding stevedoring and health and safety.

40th anniversary Port Industry Association conference heads to Nelson

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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, which is desperately fundraising to purchase a much-needed new rescue vessel that will not only broaden its range of coverage but also offer a greater level of services to those in need of its assistance (see page 15).

Enjoying the opportunity to be involved in the function, which was held at the picturesque coastal Nelson Golf Club, were 108 players, who got more than they would bargain for in an average round of golf. Hospitality stations along the way, sponsored by various organisations, ensured the teams didn’t go hungry or thirsty, with a wide range of local refreshments on offer.

The event, which is into its 14th year, is run in an Ambrose format, which makes it possible for golfers of all levels of skill to play together.

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.

Other prizes from the day were for the ‘shoot out’ hole at the end, the longest drive and closest to the pin.

Members of the Coastguard assisted at the event’s food stations, and many stayed to enjoy the charity auction which followed the competition, and featured items donated by the teams and other businesses involved with the port and marine industry, as well as other supporters of the Coastguard.

The auction itself raised over $14,000 and was run by auctioneer Liam Boshoff from Summit Real Estate.

“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 their giving, as well as their bidding. We’re also very grateful to our internal staff who volunteer to get involved and help out on the day.”

Swinging into action

The winning team from Crowe Horwarth

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Nelson Volunteer CoastguardVolunteers at Nelson Coastguard were delighted when they found out recently that Port Nelson would be supporting the organisation’s fundraising efforts in a bid to help them purchase a new rescue vessel.

“We’re trying to raise $1.3 million to replace the ageing rescue vessel and are eternally grateful for their contribution,” says Peter Kara, the local organisation’s President.

“Our current boat is an 8.5m rigid hull inflatable and was second-hand to us five years ago. It was only ever meant to cover us off in the interim. It’s served its purpose but we’re going out to both extremes of our area, which is a lot of sea, and we need to have a vessel that’s safe and meets the region’s needs. Currently we don’t have room to sit down on board, and can only deal with patients on the deck as there’s nowhere under cover to lie them down.”

The volunteer team, whose region stretches across Nelson – from Farewell Spit around to Westhaven, right across to D’Urville Island – have put a great deal of research into finding the ideal replacement vessel and are hoping it will be built locally.

“We looked at a few different models but the 11m-long one used in Kaikoura is ideal. It will have a lie-down medical station inside the cabin and a navigation table, which will be a luxury as on our present boat we don’t even have room to get a chart out,” says Peter. “This is going to be a 20-year boat for the region. There will also be seats for the crew, and with twin diesel engines and twin jet units it will have an extended range, go faster, and enable us to operate in rougher seas, venturing safely into shallower water and rocky areas. It will also have a heavier towing capacity.”

Once funding is secured, the vessel will take around six months to build. Ideally this would be achieved by the end of 2019.

“We see ourselves almost as a fourth emergency service but without the luxury of government funding, relying totally on donations and fundraising,” adds Peter.

“We’ve had fantastic support from the Port over many years and it makes a huge difference, from simple things like ensuring we’ve got a berth next to the base, which helps 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 additional support generated by the Golf Day is fantastic.”

Overall in New Zealand in less than three months this summer, 28 lives were saved by the Coastguard.

“There’s still a long way to go before we achieve our fundraising target but we save a lot of lives, so we’re all very passionate about seeing this challenge through,” adds Peter.

Safety on our seasNelson has the largest tidal range in New Zealand, so strong currents can create hazards, as can unpredictable southerlies, westerlies and even northerly winds. Being aware of operating safely along our coastline is key to preventing fatalities, and that’s something Harbour Master Dave Duncan and his department have been working closely with water users to highlight.

With a big emphasis on education, the team has been involved with many local clubs such as Sea Cadets, Navy Cadets and the Tasman Bay Cruising Club, to help with training. They’ve also run special courses tailored for women on the water, as well as the annual Harbour Master’s Challenge event, and are now also looking to extend their reach to involve schools.

Over the last two years the Deputy Harbour Master Amanda Kerr, with support from colleagues, has had a strong emphasis on getting out on the water for regular patrols and to liaise with boat ramp users, conducting surveys to assess their preparation in terms of safety.

“They’ve highlighted some key areas that require focus,” says Dave. “One is the need for people to think about communication. Only about 65 – 70% of people have a phone or a radio with them when they go to sea, and we’d like to get that up to 100%. It’s absolutely essential for safety – there are plenty of examples of where a radio or a cellphone has saved a life.”

To help reduce costs of marine communication systems, Burnsco have offered special deals, as well as very competitive prices for lights, which is another area of concern for Dave and the team.

“We’ve had several cases of anecdotal near misses caused by people not using lights,” says Dave. “It seems simple but, especially as daylight hours change, people put themselves at risk if they don’t anticipate this and have lights on their boat.”

Another issue still is lack of preparation among water users with lifejackets. You wouldn’t drive a car without putting on a seatbelt, so don’t go out on the water without enough lifejackets for everyone. That’s the message to boaties and other recreational water users who want to stay safe.

Even paddleboarders should have them, says Dave, and although it’s not necessarily automatic to think of safety first, it needs to become second-nature to prevent unnecessary accidents from happening on the water.

“We’ve actually started to fine people for not having lifejackets because we want that compliance up but we’re great believers that education is better than enforcement.”

Lastly the message to those thinking of taking children’s inflatables to the beach is please don’t. “We’ve had kids blown off the beach on lilos and blow-up toys that should only be at the swimming pool,” adds Dave.

“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.”

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