Action needed now at Auckland

Ports of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson said the move was directly related to the threat of ongoing strike action at the port by the Maritime Union of New Zealand – Local 13 (MUNZ). “With MUNZ threatening further strike action, it is inevitable that customers will look for alternatives and contingencies. Shippers need certainty and reliable service.”

The move will see weekly trade worth around $27m re-routed through the ports of Tauranga and Napier instead of Auckland.

Noting that the port had not had any response from MUNZ to its last three offers, Gibson said it was now time for action, not words. “The port is willing to continue mediation with MUNZ, but only when we receive a formal response to our latest offer, the ninth since negotiations began in August.”