MARCH 2020

Supporting the community and growth in the region

E:PO T

As I write this note the hottest topic impacting the region is the Coronavirus, Covid-19. Currently the impact of the virus is hard to assess. We are not seeing significant variances in our logging volumes, however there is high caution amongst the forestry players and the level of log supply and shipping supply has become volatile. We also have concern over accessing enough refrigerated containers to ensure the region's fruit produce can be exported as needed. The Port is very conscious of its responsibilities related to the virus for safeguarding its people, supporting central government in implementing procedures to control the risk of spread of the virus and in assisting our exporters and importers in minimising disruption to the flow of goods.

In the last month we have carried out a significant restructure of our logistics, warehousing and packing operations. This has been implemented to increase the range of services offered by the Port and the capability of those services. Our very successful QuayConnect business has been split in two. The new QuayConnect will focus on providing supply chain solutions to clients to assist them improve the economic and environmental efficiency of their supply chains. The warehousing and packing part of the current QuayConnect will be merged with the container packing and unpacking operations carried out by QuayPack. This new entity will trade under the brand ‘QuayPack’. The combining of the two services will allow the Port to provide more warehousing capacity, flexibility and efficiency to importers and exporters.

One of the great things about the Port, which I learned very quickly after joining at the end of last year, is that the company and our people are very much

prepared to walk the talk when it comes to being actively involved in events and initiatives close to the community’s heart. For instance, getting behind the Blue September appeal for the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s annual campaign, as well as a new trapping programme on Haulashore Island to help create a haven for penguins We are also pleased to have contributed to the new Nelson Coastguard vessel which will play a key role in saving lives on our waters.

The Port continues to make investments in infrastructure that look to safeguard the viability of the Port for the region. Redevelopment of Main Wharf North is underway at a total cost of over $20 million. Not only will this assist us to attract larger vessels to Nelson – keeping up with the industry’s trend towards larger ships – but it will also support our ability to act as a lifeline to the region in the event of a natural disaster. The wider investment programme, of which the wharf’s redevelopment is part, also involved the introduction of the new, more powerful tug Huria Matenga II. This impressive vessel has already proved invaluable in assisting the safe arrival and departure of a number of ships, including the second-largest ever to have docked in Nelson – the 260m Seaspan New York – which visited in December.

As an organisation we have responsibility to care for the safety and environment of the wonderful place in which we operate and of that I am immensely proud.

Hugh MorrisonChief Executive OfficerPort Nelson

Tenā koutou,

This is the first edition of Re:Port that I have had the opportunity to write an introduction for.

F OM THE CEO

3 Restoring biodiversity to Haulashore Island

4 New CEO impressed

5 Nelson’s new Harbourmaster and Port Marine Operations Manager

5 QuayConnect – supporting excellence

8 Staff profiles

10 Blue September – a beacon of hope

11 Main Wharf North redevelopment underway

12 Mediterranean Shipping Company in Nelson

14 Run like Tanya

15 Golf Day boosts Coastguard closer to new rescue vessel

CONTENTS

PRODUCTION CREDITS

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

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A new trapping programme is set to make Haulashore Island a haven for penguins and a safer place for the lizards and seabirds that already enjoy life there.

It is hoped the programme, a collaboration between community groups – Friends of Motu Mānuka/Haulashore Island, Nelson City Council and Port Nelson – may even lead to the eradication of the rat population there.

The brainchild of scientists Andrew Fidler and Jonathan Banks, the project came about after the keen ornithologists travelled out to the island to investigate penguin nesting boxes that had been placed there years before.

“Even though we’d heard they’d been successfully used in the past, there were none left,” says Andrew. “There were pieces lying around but I imagine they’d been washed out by storms.”

The pair decided to replace the nesting boxes and approached Nelson City Council (NCC) for help with funding for the necessary materials. Nelson Nature Programme Manager Leigh Marshall at NCC thought it was a great idea.

“Nelson Nature is focused on protecting and restoring Nelson’s biodiversity. Our ‘Halo’ project is about creating a safe area, or ‘halo’, outside of the Brook Sanctuary to bring native birds back to Nelson. We’ve also got a project focusing on restoring coastal areas. With that in mind, and given that the island is a Council reserve, we were really happy to support Andrew and Jonathan’s initiative.”

With help from the craftsmen at the Men’s Shed in Waimea, it wasn’t long before the materials purchased had been turned into ten cosy nesting boxes, ready to create prime penguin real estate in the picturesque spot. However, Andrew and Jonathan realised that in order to provide protection, a trapping programme for rats would be wise. When they mentioned this to Leigh, she was keen to seek further support.

“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.

“Some of these species are threatened and some are rare on New Zealand’s mainland, so all would benefit from predator control. There’s been a small amount done in the past but nothing comprehensive, so we were keen to help make this possible.”

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.”

“Port Nelson sees a responsibility of care for the safety and environment of the surrounding bay that connects the Nelson community to the sea, and as such Haulashore Island is the perfect location for us to get involved.”

Andrew and Jonathan’s proposal sought support for materials to have the traps built, and funding to cover the transport costs for three years for volunteers to travel regularly on ‘The Ferry ’ to the island to check and reset the traps.

“Our sponsorship committee thought it was a great idea, especially because we’re really keen to move into environmentally restorative projects to ensure we look after the environment that we undertake Port operations within,” adds Kelly.

With the material costs covered, it was volunteers at Nelson’s Men’s Shed, who dedicated their time and crafting skills to creating the traps, which consist of a metal mechanism housed within a wooden tunnel.

Following the plan, the traps have been set in an intensive grid, with the aim of reducing the number of occupying rats to almost zero.

As well as the initiative’s founders, other volunteers have already signed up to check the traps, including four from the Port Nelson team, who as well as Kelly, are CEO Hugh Morrison, QuayConnect Operations Manager Jaron McLeod, and Business Systems Specialist Rosie Horn.

“For us at the Port it’s extremely rewarding to be involved in a project like this,” says Kelly. “We’re lucky enough to operate in that coastal marine area and it’s really important that we look after it for future generations.”

Leigh says the project is a prime example of how collaboration can prove invaluable in protecting native habitats and ecosystems. “This is an awesome example of community working together for a great outcome. Through it we have a new group working with established groups such as the Men’s Shed, in a project that’s supported by industry and the Council to achieve positive biodiversity outcomes for our region and our native species.”

Restoring biodiversity to Haulashore Island

We’re lucky enough to operate in that coastal marine area and it’s really important that we look after it for future generations.

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New CEO impressedSince 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, with all the key things well attended to and that there are really good people who have huge pride in their jobs,” says 58-year-old Hugh, who took over in October with more than 20 years’ experience in general management and chief executive roles.

“I believe there’s genuine intent to do a good job, and that’s deep within the organisation – probably to a greater extent than I’ve seen before.”

Hugh – who during the course of his career has worked in over ten countries and whose strengths include leadership, change management, strategy and delivery – has also been incredibly impressed with the business’ standing in the wider Nelson community, seeing it as a highly respected body.

“I like the way the Port is such an integral part of the community and an essential asset in that regard, and yet it has a commercial objective,” says the father of two, who recently relocated to Nelson with his wife Monique from their small farm in Hawkes Bay. “There is a profit objective, which is only reasonable, but it’s not a profit at all cost. There’s a social obligation to help this community prosper.”

This sits well with the Port’s Resilience Project, he says, which addresses the issue of how the Port could withstand a major earthquake or other natural event and continue to act as a lifeline to the community through bringing in essential services and supplies. The large infrastructure investment in Main Wharf North is part of this, he adds. With a $20 million budget this is much smaller than the projects he’s been more attuned to, though its potential is just as exciting he says.

“For us it’s a very valuable and important part of the jigsaw puzzle that will enable us to strengthen the Port’s position further. It’s an exciting time.

“We’re also looking at our strategic business plan and infrastructure master plan which goes out 20 – 30 years and considers the changing world of shipping and exporting to assess how the Port needs to adjust.”

Prior to joining Port Nelson, Hugh’s previous roles include Managing Director at Opus International (M) Berhad (OIM) – a 500-person company owned by the Malaysian Government’s investment arm. In this position he was responsible for leading a culture change as part of moving the business model to a more sustainable structure.

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This led to one of his career highlights to date – his role as Acting Chief Operating Officer and Project Director with responsibility for the delivery of the Pan-Borneo Highway. “The section we were focused on was through Sabah, around 700km, with a budget of NZ$3–4 billion. That was fascinating to see the political and community connection between a federal government, a state government, and each village leader and the politics around that. It was interesting and a challenge.”

Another career highlight was as Development Director for the Forsyth Barr Stadium Precinct while at Arrow International. With responsibilities that ranged from pre-feasibility through to construction delivery, his role was broad-reaching.

“I was lucky enough to be involved right from the start and see it through to the end,” says Hugh, who originally started out his career after graduating from Canterbury University in 1983 with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering with Honours.

“The stadium started as a whispered idea that rather than repairing Carisbrook we could build a new one and, outlandishly, put a roof on it. From hearing that suggestion to then finding a way to help as part of a team make it happen was a really exciting journey.”

From his very first job in engineering – as an assistant engineer for the Ministry of Works – Hugh progressed quickly to take on a project manager role, before further bolstering his career by returning to university to study for an MBA. Following that 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.

Within just days of joining Port Nelson Hugh was able to use his fitness to help with the Blue September initiative, joining the senior team in donning fancy dress and pedalling for the cause on the Smoothie Bike, along with the other members of the leadership team. (See pages 10 – 11.)

He was impressed with the senior team’s sportsmanship in taking 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 support the direction in which Port Nelson is already headed. “Most of my goals have come from listening and picking up on some of the key initiatives that are already happening and supporting their delivery. Port Nelson has a number of differences from the traditional perspective of a port. Historically the role of the port started and ended at the gate. We now see an important role in facilitating the supply chain that comes into and leaves the gate. Our QuayConnect business is an example of this.”

New to the shipping world, Hugh’s excited to learn more about the logistics associated with it. “When you work on a port you’re quite privileged in that you get to look at many different supply chains. For instance, I understood what logging was and can operate a chainsaw and chop down a tree, but when you have a closer look at the industry you realise it has many complexities.”

With the warmer waters of summer he’s been pleased to be involved in the Thursday night Port Nelson sea swims that have become something of an institution to the city.

“The Port has a very strong view on being a good corporate citizen and supporting its community so it’s really valuable to be actively involved in initiatives. We’re using the phrase ‘guardians of the land-to-sea interface for the community’ to reflect part of our responsibility to the community. Projects like supporting the predator clean up on Haulashore Island are positives in that regard, as well as sponsoring the youth activities on the water.”

My first impressions were that Port Nelson is a well-run business, with all the key things well attended to and that there are really good people who have huge pride in their jobs.

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Andrew Hogg is seeing the ocean from quite a different perspective in his role as Nelson’s new Harbourmaster. The former Navy Commander – whose 14 years in the military have included serving on HMNZS Canterbury, intercepting drug shipments in the Caribbean, and assisting with humanitarian aid missions in the Pacific Islands – had been more used to seeing ports from the bridge of visiting vessels.

“In my previous role I relied on navigational aids to stay safe, but now it’s more about looking after those navigational aids and making sure that all the ships coming in are safe,” says the 41-year-old, who prior to joining the Navy worked as an investment banker after graduating with a degree in Commerce.

“During my time in the Navy I learnt how reliant New Zealand is on the maritime trade for its prosperity. So it’s especially exciting to be involved in the long-term strategic thinking to help grow a port that welcomes new business.”

Part of Andrew’s role as Nelson Harbourmaster and Port Nelson Marine Operations Manager includes ensuring the Port has the

people and machinery to facilitate the growing size of vessels calling at Nelson, without impacting on the environment or marine life. Working together with Deputy Harbourmaster Amanda Kerr, he will also promote safe use of the harbour by other users. This involves liaising with local organisations such as sailing clubs and the local councils, as well as with individuals such as paddleboarders, jet skiers, and boaties.

“It’s a balancing act trying to make sure that everyone has the same right to the water space and has the same enjoyment without annoying others, and communication is key,” says the father of two.

“My advice to water users is to take notice of their allocated zones and be courteous to others. Make sure you’re looking after your own safety, so have a floatation device and two forms of communication in case help’s needed.

“It is quite a complex harbour, especially in bringing in the larger commercial vessels, which adds a dynamic and keeps the job interesting, and thankfully the Port Nelson Marine Team consists of a really skilled bunch of guys and girls who’re really passionate about what they do.”

Nelson’s new Harbourmaster and Port Marine Operations Manager

New Zealand wine exports are currently valued at a buoyant $1.83 billion, making it the country’s sixth largest market, and QuayConnect is proud to support the industry in achieving this success.

As well as its role in aiding transportation of the millions of litres that pass through the region and the Port’s gateway to the world, it also helps promote the industry’s profile at home and overseas by supporting shows and competitions that raise awareness of industry players and their quality produce.

“The events celebrate excellence and provide a platform for producers to promote their wines, attracting the ‘who’s who’ of the wine world,” says Port Nelson Customer & Marketing Specialist Jennie Harrison.

QuayConnect’s involvement in such events has come through its connections with associations such as New Zealand Winegrowers and Marlborough Wine which market the country’s wines overseas and bring international specialists here to New Zealand.

During 2019 a number of key events received support from QuayConnect. The biggest, ProWein – held annually in Germany – featured over 6,900 exhibitors representing 64 nations and attracted 61,500 visitors.

“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 it we’re able to meet and talk to international wineries and influencers, giving us amazing exposure at the other end of the supply chain where a number of decisions are made. It really helps in getting the name out there, raising the profile and helping people recognise what we do.”

As well as financial support, members of the team attend events – at ProWein it was General Manager Business Development Eugene Beneke who had the opportunity to mingle with the wine importers and tell the story of QuayConnect’s advantages. It’s also a chance to monitor the trends in the industry and practises in other parts of the world.

QuayConnect – supporting excellence

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“One of QuayConnect’s pillars is Connecting or influencing through collaboration,” says Eugene. “It’s so important for our Kiwi wines to be promoted globally to increase awareness and demand. The ability for us to understand and connect with stakeholders is extremely important, so we’re delighted to sponsor these programmes and support wineries.

“We realise our role is not just about being able to serve a group of customers, but to serve an industry. Our partnerships with New Zealand Winegrowers and Wine Marlborough are testament to our commitment to working alongside the industry and fully understanding what their risks, opportunities and strategies are.”

Another high-profile event to which QuayConnect gave its support was the International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration, organised by New Zealand Winegrowers. “This happens every three years and in 2019 happened to be in Marlborough,” says Jennie.

The world’s top wine influencers attended the three-day event, for which QuayConnect was a Silver Sponsor. Organisers boast it gives an opportunity to shine the spotlight on the country’s diverse Sauvignon Blanc offerings. The extravaganza included internationally acclaimed speakers from all over the globe – Masters of Wine who shared their pearls of wisdom on vineyard practises, winemaking influences, trends and emerging styles.

At the New Zealand Wine Awards – which also this year was held in Marlborough – the New Zealand Wine of the Year 'Champion Sauvignon Blanc' award was won by Nelson’s own Seifried Family 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, and so it was fitting for QuayConnect to take on the naming rights sponsorship of the Marlborough Wine Show in 2019. This significant awards ceremony held at the start of spring, celebrates the best of the Marlborough region and demonstrates to international media and markets, the significant sub-regional and style diversity of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. It also showcases the region’s wide range of other grape varieties and respective

wine styles. Forrest Estate Wines took home the QuayConnect Champion Wine of the Show with Forrest Pinot Noir 2017 and was also awarded the Classic Oak Products Champion Pinot Noir 2017, as well as the Wine Marlborough Champion Rosé Trophy with The Doctors’ Rosé 2019.

People at the events have been keen to learn more about the success of the QuayConnect logistics model, which has revolutionised road freight across the top of the South Island, and halved truck journeys between the Port and Marlborough wineries.

In line with growing business, Service & Administration Manager Angela Player was recently appointed in Nelson, and Client Relationship Manager Dev Chand has joined the QuayConnect team, based at glass supplier OI’s offices in Auckland. His role involves organising and facilitating the coastal freight of OI’s products throughout New Zealand and overseeing deployment to eight warehouses country-wide. “It’s unique for a port to collaborate with a customer in this way, not to mention with other ports, as we are also doing,” says QuayConnect Operations Manager Jaron McLeod.

“We’re handling a lot more export wine product than we were two years ago. In terms of export wine container packing, volumes 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 on the year before. The harvest has risen as vineyards expand, but we’re also handling a greater proportion of the volume that already existed.”

The ability for us to understand and connect with stakeholders is extremely important, so we’re delighted to sponsor these programmes and support wineries.

Hugh Morrison awarding the QuayConnect Champion Open Red Wine trophy at the New Zealand Wine Awards

Port Nelson's Jennie Harrison (left) with the The Forrest Estate team, winners of the Champion Wine of the Marlborough Wine Show

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Staff profiles

JAMES REDWOODSenior Marine Officer

Multi-tasking is something James Redwood excels in. As Trainee Pilot his role involves taking into account many variables, including wind speed, tidal flow, size and draught of vessel, positioning and power of tug boats, and all while directing the helmsman onboard the vessel travelling through The Cut.

It's a complex role, controlling the whole situation, but James was already an experienced mariner when he joined Port Nelson in May 2019 as Senior Marine Officer. With 22 years' experience working at sea, most recently he was Chief Mate aboard vessels supplying offshore oil and gas facilities in Australia. James started his sea-going career at 18 in the fishing industry working in New Zealand, Australian, African and Antarctic waters.

Already over half-way through his training towards his Pilot Licence (with the third stage now achieved out of the four required) each new milestone qualifies James to pilot alone vessels of an increased size.

“I absolutely love my job,” says the father of three. “It’s a big challenge and that makes it so interesting. Every day is completely different; the tide, the wind, the vessel. The most valuable way of learning is through practise so I've been working alongside the other experienced pilots here and the team’s been really welcoming.”

Each ship’s safe arrival and departure involves highly detailed planning by the pilot. At sea they board from Port Nelson’s launch while alongside, climbing the rope ladders while out in the bay to take command in the wheelhouse.

James grew up in the Marlborough Sounds, spending lots of time on boats, and attended Nelson College as a boarder, so was keen 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.

LYDIA MELVILLE Deckhand

A huge part of what Lydia Melville loves about her job as Tug Deckhand is being part of such a highly skilled team, she says.

“I’ve got the opportunity to work with some really experienced mariners. I love it and Port Nelson gives me the challenges I needed at this point in my marine career.”

Lydia joined Port Nelson in November 2017 as a marine casual, having relocated from Kaikōura, where she’d skippered in the marine tourism industry. “I come from a fishing family so I’ve been around boats my whole life,” says the 36-year-old, who secured her New Zealand Offshore Watchkeeper ticket at 25, then went on to skipper commercial vessels.

She became a permanent deckhand on the tugs in July 2018. The role includes securing the tug’s main tow line up to the ships.

“It’s funny because I’ve spent my whole life staying away from big ships and when you work on a tug you’re underneath the flare looking up at them. It’s interesting being in the high and low pressure zones that the ship carries,” she says.

Lydia’s role also involves all aspects of deck and line maintenance, including treating any rust and painting, as well as rope splicing. “During shipping movements I’m an extra pair of eyes and ears for the skipper and need to report to them any hazards, for instance debris in the water and other boats, as well as distances from the wharf and checking equipment on deck.

“I’d definitely like to further myself at Port Nelson and being a tug master’s certainly something I’d like to do in the future,” she adds.

In her spare time Lydia travels back to Kaikōura to visit her friends and family, as well as enjoying walking her wirehaired terrier Bob.

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PAUL BOULTONForklift Operator, QuayPack

When Paul Boulton came to work at QuayPack as a casual three years ago he wasn’t entirely a stranger to the territory. In his previous role, Port Nelson had been a client of his, and he’d always been impressed with the high levels of organisation, safety and professionalism. So when in 2016 after semi-retiring he heard of opportunities for work, he jumped at the chance to join the team.

Back then he was a container fitter, decking out the 20 footers with giant flexible liners capable of carrying up to 24,000 litres of unbottled wine. It was a big change from a 40 year career in sales and management but he loved the physical aspect of the job and found the change from having previously worked seven days a week really refreshing.

It wasn’t long before other doors at Port Nelson were opened in the form of training opportunities, including gaining his forklift licence. “I’d driven one as a teenager but with such a large gap had forgotten really,” says the father of one who loves to mountain bike and train at Victory Boxing during his spare time. “The Port was great in encouraging me to upskill – it’s a very positive environment.”

Paul’s job now entails using the 8-tonne forklifts to manoeuvre containers into place and setting out the rolls of flexible liners ready to be fitted. He then shifts the containers into their specified areas for collection to be taken to the wineries for filling.

“I love that I get to communicate with the truckies – I’m a real people person,” adds Paul, a keen diver and fisherman who also enjoys spending time at his bach at Anakiwa. This is a quality that stands Paul in good stead for his other role at Port Nelson as one of the organisation's Connectors. As part of this group Paul acts in a guidance role, watching out for those around him and pointing them in the right direction should they need support or guidance.

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.)

SHEILA SCOTTSecurity Operator

“You don’t have to be six foot tall and bulletproof to work in security,” says former traffic cop and police constable Sheila Scott. “Your best asset is being a good communicator.”

Fortunately that’s a huge strength of Port Nelson’s 1.65m-tall Security Operator Sheila, whose job it is to help ensure Port Nelson’s boundaries and property remains protected, and that people’s safety while on site is paramount.

“I joined the Ministry of Transport in the days when there weren’t many women in the role and was one of the officers out on the road,” says the mother of two, who outside of her Port work teaches cycle safety to school children. “When the organization merged with the Police, I became a constable on general duties. I’d deal with all kinds of situations and all sorts of people.”

The experience stands her in good stead for the highly varied role at Port Nelson, which includes driving the shuttle service to transport people across site, collecting crew from the working ships, carrying out routine security checks, making deliveries, escorting contractors, helping visitors from cruise ships, and verifying people’s identities.

“I have a lot to do with truck drivers here so my early training proves really useful,” says Sheila, who in her spare time is a keen cyclist and gym-goer. “I’m also used to dealing with people of all ages and backgrounds.”

Sheila’s enthusiasm is hugely appreciated by her boss, Richard Breen-Rickerby, aka Brick. “Often there is high demand placed on her and she always fronts up and delivers with passion,” he says. He also notes how she also goes the extra mile – never doing things by halves – and appreciates that she’s not afraid to assess processes and suggest ways things could be done differently.

“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.

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It stood as a beacon, Nelson’s lighthouse, an icon repurposed blue in its new role to keep people safe. This time its light wasn’t to warn shipping, but to guard the community against another avoidable disaster – deaths caused by prostate cancer.

The transformation in colour – quite a talking point throughout the city – was part of Port Nelson’s initiative to highlight Blue September, the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s annual awareness and fundraising campaign.

The Port’s support for the campaign began after a decision to find where, at an organisational level, effort could be focused to positively impact individual wellbeing.

“One in eight New Zealand men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime,” says Training Advisor Amanda Dykzeul, who headed up the project. “Working on those same statistics for our workforce here at the Port, we realised that could equate to 33 of our men.”

After liaising with the Prostate Cancer Foundation and its local support group, the People and Safety Team decided an effective way in which it could influence the outcome for staff would be to break down barriers to getting tested.

“Early detection saves lives and a blood test is all it takes to 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 (DRE) could then be conducted. Over 30 people took this up, which is great to start off getting the two tests done annually.”

But the Port’s efforts didn’t stop there. Toolbox Meeting feedback – which is where the idea for the blue lighthouse originally began – had suggested staff were keen for inter-team initiatives.

The drive towards this goal inspired a number of other activities too, including the use of a Smoothie Bike to make healthy blueberry energy boosting beverages. The novel machinery works thanks to some imaginative engineering by Amanda’s uncle, spruced up by the Port’s Workshop team, through which pedal power drives the blades of a blender.

“This tied-in well with the company’s Haurora (Wellbeing) programme,” adds Amanda. “It was a fun way to get the message across and was even more memorable because the senior management team – decked out in fancy dress we’d picked for them – were the ones pedalling.” Among those was new CEO Hugh Morrison, who joined the Port during the second week of the initiative and jumped aboard to pedal the message, sporting blue attire.

What’s more, the team-wide company BBQ – which coincided with the awareness month – also adopted a blue theme in honour of the cause, as did the staff bake ups by Container Wash Handler Trevor Madsen.

A number of the Port’s crew took to the water for the Blue September Sea Swim, the Harbourmaster and Deputy Harbourmaster dressing their boat with blue paraphernalia. Others manned the Port Nelson BBQ on the shoreline to help raise funds. Combined with in-house donations and raffles, the team raised over $330 for the cause.

As part of the overall campaign, a very personal message was also heard – that of QuayPack Forklift Operator Paul Boulton, who sadly lost his brother Danny to prostate cancer four years ago.

Here at Port Nelson it was a truly collaborative team effort, with lots of people involved to ensure the success of the campaign.

Blue September – a beacon of hope

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Main Wharf North redevelopment underway

The $20 million redevelopment of Port Nelson’s Main Wharf North will create long-lasting regional economic benefits and future-proof the region’s import and export sectors.

General Manager Infrastructure Allanagh Rivers says the Port’s investment in the Main Wharf North redevelopment will also improve the Port’s resilience, move main wharf operations further away from residential neighbours, and enable the Port to accommodate larger vessels.

“Port Nelson is a lifeline utility provider under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act and in the event of a natural disaster would be critical during the recovery phase if the region was not

accessible by road or air. This redevelopment will ensure the Port can be operating in a limited capacity within days of a disaster,” says Allanagh.

“Once completed the new section of the main wharf will assist in enabling the Port to attract larger 260 to 270 metre goods vessels and 300 metre cruise vessels, creating growth opportunities for our importers, exporters and the community.”

The existing 2400sqm Main Wharf North, which has deteriorated with age, was used predominantly for the discharging of fuel vessels, and the tying up of the non-operational vessels.

“With the condition of the wharf deteriorating and the importance of a fuel supply, the fuel berth was relocated to Main Wharf South in 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.

One 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.”

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Next year Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) celebrates 25 years in New Zealand. For much of this time it has been making regular weekly port calls into Nelson supporting the region’s local importers and exporters.

“Nelson and the surrounding areas play a vitally important role within the New Zealand economy,” says Steve Wright, General Manager MSC New Zealand. “The produce and goods that are exported from this region, such as apples and wine, are absolutely world-class and of the highest quality. We feel very privileged to be able to help facilitate the international trade of these commodities for our clients who we work very closely with.”

MSC has always had a strong working relationship with Port Nelson and the management team. This has been an essential contributor to ensuring the liner service provided by MSC through Port Nelson is as seamless as possible.

The region produces significant volumes of sensitive export commodities and shipping these to destinations as far away as the United Kingdom, Europe and the Americas comes with its own logistical challenges, particularly at a tidal port like Nelson.

MSC mitigates these challenges by calling weekly at Nelson, year-round as part of its Kiwi Express service. This service arrives into New Zealand from South East Asia laden with import containers from across the globe. Most New Zealand import cargo onboard is discharged at the first port of call in Auckland. That complete, the vessel then sails onwards to Wellington and then Nelson, where it arrives within the draught limitations of the Port. Nelson export and import cargo is loaded and discharged, then the vessel departs onwards to Tauranga and Auckland, before leaving New Zealand shores for Brisbane and the major South East Asian transshipment ports of Tanjung Pelepas and Singapore.

This service rotation also ensures some of the fastest possible transit times from Nelson to many key international markets – essential when dealing with perishable cargo.

With the apple season set to begin in the coming weeks, MSC has been preparing for months in advance to assist clients with their shipments from Nelson. MSC’s reefer (refrigerated) container fleet is among the most modern in the world, and the company has continually invested in state-of-the-art equipment and technology to transport cargo securely and efficiently to its destination. Many of these new MSC reefer containers have already been deployed across New Zealand.

Mediterranean Shipping Company in Nelson

Seaspan New York

PO T NELSON RE:PO T MA CH 202012

Perishable goods require precise temperature control to maintain product quality all the way from origin to destination and globally every year MSC delivers over 1.8 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) of reefer cargo.

As a sure sign from MSC of further commitments to Nelson and 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 2019 and departed the following day, loaded with Nelson export cargo to deliver to destinations across the globe. The call was extremely successful for all involved.

While MSC sends larger ships to Nelson, they pale in comparison to the new era of mega-vessels the firm has been building and deploying in recent months across the global network.

A modern, green and efficient fleetVessel size isn’t everything, but it helps. The next generation of ships will make the MSC fleet more efficient and minimise emissions, bringing benefits to business, customers and the environment.

The new builds arriving in MSC’s fleet will replace some older, smaller vessels. With some delivered in 2019, and more during 2020, they show MSC’s commitment to maintaining a modern, green, efficient and safe fleet, reducing the energy needed to transport each container, lowering both costs and CO2 emissions. This helps protect the environment and ensures MSC is ahead of the curve in meeting new regulatory requirements.

The 23,000+ TEU new builds will have extensive reefer capacity but because they are expected to replace a significant number of 13,000 and 14,000 TEU vessels, will not necessarily increase MSC’s overall capacity. A number have already been launched in 2019, including MSC Gulsun, MSC Leni, MSC Samar, MSC Isabella and MSC Mina.

Retrofitting the fleet to cut CO2 emissionsLooking ahead, the United Nations International Maritime Organization (UN IMO) has laid out ambitious policy targets to CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions in the coming decades, and the industry needs significant advancements in technology, research and development in order to achieve the goals of the second half of the century.

As well as bringing in newer vessels, MSC has also been upgrading the existing fleet of owned and operated ships to the latest standards of safety and fuel efficiency in a programme that started in 2011, considerably reducing CO2 emissions.

This includes retrofitting more than 250 ships with energy-saving technologies, including a specially designed bulbous bow, lighter and more efficient propellers and new rudders designed to reduce drag. Hulls are treated with a silicon-based anti-fouling coating to minimise not only friction, but also the need for underwater cleaning and the risk of spread of invasive species. At the same time, ship management centres retrofit main propulsion engines to make them more efficient.

Complying with IMO 2020MSC has been preparing for years for the IMO 2020 regulation on sulphur content of fuel. The fleet will use compliant low-sulphur fuel and the company has been explaining this to clients since 2018 in the formula for its Bunker Recovery Charge (BRC).

At the same time, the firm has prudently invested in EGCS (more commonly known as ‘scrubbers’) for a significant portion of its owned fleet, in order to ensure it crossed the regulation’s 1 January 2020 deadline with minimal disruption.

Story supplied by MSC.

The produce and goods that are exported from this region, such as apples and wine, are absolutely world-class and of the highest quality. We feel very privileged to be able to help facilitate the international trade of these commodities for our clients who we work very closely with.

Seaspan New York MSC Gulsun

PO T NELSON RE:PO T MA CH 2020 13

Somehow the suggestion struck a chord with the then 24-year-old, who as a youngster had been a keen gymnast. Her first steps towards a new-found confidence were to the library, from where she borrowed books about training for such an event. The appeal quickly took a grip and despite the cold of winter and also struggling having battled to quit smoking, she took to training and discovered the healing qualities of gaining confidence through running.

Although not meeting her sister’s full challenge due to an injury, Tanya was elated to successfully complete a half marathon. Twelve years on, she’s now three quarters of the way to becoming the first woman to complete New Zealand’s toughest running test, the Thir Southern Seasons Miler Challenge – four 100 mile races (160km), all within 12 months. And Port Nelson has been there to help in her endeavours.

“Once I’d decided to take on this challenge I knew I was going to need help to make it happen,” says Customs Officer Tanya, who’d previously worked as a security guard at Port Nelson. “The big thing for me at that point was getting coaching because expert knowledge was going to be key to getting me through. It’s a lot to put on the body.

“So when I contacted the Port and they said that among other support they’d also cover the costs of a coach it was amazing. I 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 risk. So having Carlos Kueroa from Running Hot Coaching to give me structured training and keep me safe, uninjured and get me through the races has been key.”

Carlos had already completed the challenge himself, so knew what would be in store for Tanya. The pair have been keeping in touch regularly via video calls and emails.

It was in May 2019 that Tanya initially tested her resolve in the first of the event’s four races – the Old Forest Hanmer 100. It took her just under 26 hours to complete and, despite pain along the way, she loved the whole experience. “It was amazing. I didn’t know what to expect, everything was a milestone. The longest I’d run up to that was 85km, so when I got to 140km in the race I was thinking ‘I could do this!’”

The second race, the Great Naseby Water Race in August was much more of an endurance experience for Tanya, who struggled throughout with an injury and tiredness, but still finished in 27 hours, well within the 48 allowed to complete each one.

By the third event, the Krayzie Kapers in Christchurch in November, she’d sought additional help from a local hypnotherapist, whose work enabled her to powernap with the aid of a short recording to which she would listen to sleep. She finished the race in 36 hours despite heat exhaustion, gut problems and severe blisters.

At each of the events, messages of support from family and friends have helped fortify her. And providing refuge at her aid station – sheltered by the Port Nelson tent – have been her loyal supporters, including her sister who first inspired her to take up running, and her new partner Ben, also a trail runner and adventurer, who’s helped provide back-up at every race.

“Each one has been hard, but that’s the whole point I think – you have to overcome stuff,” says the mother of two, whose average week of training currently consists of two half-hour speed runs, two gym sessions for strength, a weekly longer run of up to two hours, and the occasional over 40km run thrown in for fun. “These events are a challenge of problem-solving because things come up – injuries, tiredness – but it’s a case of fighting the fires as they appear and getting through them.”

Tanya is no stranger to adversity. “The whole reason I’d become so low all those years ago was because I’d been in a destructive relationship. I’d lost all confidence and self-worth because I’d constantly been worn down. When I discovered running it was a 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 me something to think about so that I didn’t have to deal with what was going on at home.”

Tanya went on to enter a number of other events, marathons and ultra marathons. “It was an awesome confidence builder and I was reasonably fast, usually ranking quite well in my age group. 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, building confidence along the way.”

Having left her relationship and relocated from Auckland to Nelson, Tanya’s completely turned her life around. “With each race I just feel so much stronger and more powerful. That’s also thanks to the work I’ve been doing with hypnotherapy.

“The running and the challenge are still such an important part of my healing, and because I’ve grown in confidence and strength, I’ve been able to put my personal story out there too, sharing with others how this all started.”

In the process of this latest part of her journey she’s also been raising funds for Shine, New Zealand’s largest nation-wide organisation that supports and helps women and children experiencing family violence. “They helped me and my girls and everything I raise goes to the 0800 national phone line through which they can connect people all over the country with local services. It’s for anyone affected by domestic violence – whether it’s the person themselves or colleagues, friends or relatives concerned about someone they know.”

Run like TanyaTanya 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.

PO T NELSON RE:PO T MA CH 202014

Golf Day boosts Coastguard closer to new rescue vesselAs 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.

Tanya’s now feeling positive about the last of the challenges – the Northburn 100 – which takes place in March in Cromwell, which will see competitors climb and descend the equivalent of 10,000m.

“Completing this series represents for me the challenges I’ve overcome in my life that have made me stronger. The feeling that when things aren’t going well ‘this too shall pass’.”

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 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 an amazing community and often women who’ve come from that 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.”

Tanya, who has a popular blog ‘Run Like Tanya’ which logs her progress and the hurdles she faces along the way, has the catch phrase ‘Happy, limitless and free’. “Running is still part of my healing. And it takes me to some amazing places. I do feel limitless now, I really do. It’s about the freedom I didn’t used to have, and I hope that along the way I can be an example to everyone that life can be better and that they can go out and achieve their goals.”

The funds were raised through two Nelson Port and Transport Industry Charity Golf Tournaments, an annual competition which has become an institution within the city’s business circles. In the latest event, 29 teams of four people took advantage of the superb weather to enjoy the greens and hospitality along the way, which included fare from some of the finest local producers.

The events, which are generously supported by donations from local businesses and other companies associated with the Port, were organised by Customer and Marketing Specialist Jennie Harrison. Valued assistance on the day was given by a number of volunteers from the Port’s team, as well as from Westpac and the 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.

“The availability of the harbourmasters 24/7 for assistance is another important part of the synergy between our organisations. We do joint training with the harbourmasters, including our crew training on their vessel, which means we can maximise our response – the more eyes looking for someone in the water makes a huge difference.”

As is tradition after two years, Port Nelson announces a new recipient of the annual fundraising golf event – and for the next two tournaments this will be Life Linc, a small local charity which provides affordable, professional counselling to individuals and couples who would not otherwise be able to access it.

Completing this series represents for me the challenges I’ve overcome in my life that have made me stronger.

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www.portnelson.co.nz

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