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19 March 2002 |
Christchurch Mayor urges port industry to cooperate for good of region
Lyttelton Port workers and the Lyttelton Port Company must work together to ensure the port is successful in attracting new business, says Christchurch City Mayor Garry Moore.
He was commenting ahead of the imminent visit to the port by PONL Remuera, a large new container ship belonging to the P&O Nedlloyd line, and following recent publicity about the risk of the loss of shipping trade through Lyttelton Port.
“I wish to make it very clear that the City is right behind the Port Company’s bid to attract the new larger-generation P&O Nedlloyd container ships to Lyttelton,” Mr Moore says.
“The Canterbury economy has a strong export base and it is vital that local exporters retain the ability to access key international shipping routes through Lyttelton.
“Lyttelton is also the main focus point for South Island imports, meaning that inland transport costs for the local economy are minimised,” the Mayor says.
“Should the larger ships by-pass Lyttelton in favour of Port Chalmers (Otago), there is a very real risk of not only job losses at the port, but a negative impact on the Canterbury economy as a whole.
“Recent publicity has suggested that inflexible working practices at the port are an obstacle to the port in securing the new trade. I am in no position to comment on the detail of this, but I would urge the unions and the company to work together to reach a solution.
“It’s in everyone’s interests – the employers, the company and the wider local economy – to demonstrate that Christchurch and Canterbury is a competitive and positive place to do business.”For more information: call Mayor Garry Moore on 021 427 796