Safety a priority during extreme weather

The Mari­time Uni­on says the cau­tious approach by the Ports of Auck­land dur­ing Cyc­lone Gab­ri­elle is the cor­rect one.

Mari­time Uni­on of New Zea­l­and Nation­al Sec­ret­ary Craig Har­ris­on says it is good Ports of Auck­land has sus­pen­ded oper­a­tions as Cyc­lone Gab­ri­elle moves into the region.

Mr Har­ris­on says the Ports have made it clear the safety of work­ers and port infra­struc­ture are the top pri­or­it­ies.

He says oth­er ports like Taur­anga and North­port should fol­low the same approach.

High winds, wave move­ments and poor vis­ib­il­ity were all risks at Ports in bad weath­er con­di­tions.

It was also import­ant that con­tain­er stacks were secured and work stopped at con­tain­er depots and inland freight hubs in high winds.

Mr Har­ris­on says the import­ant role of Ports of Auck­land for the city was now obvi­ous as road and rail links in the region had been knocked out in the pre­vi­ous floods.

“What we have seen is the vul­ner­ab­il­ity of sup­ply chains around the north­ern region, which rein­forces the need for an access­ible and resi­li­ent port in Auck­land.”