Over 100 local people attended a Timaru public meeting on the future of the port of Timaru on Thursday 17 September.

The meeting was called by the Maritime Union of New Zealand following a decision last month by Fonterra to stop exports from the port of Timaru, which has resulted in a massive loss of work for the port.

Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says the meeting was a success.

He says there is a recognition that the port is a vital part of the local economy and cannot be allowed to fade away.

Speakers included representatives of the Maritime Union and the Rail and Maritime Transport Union, both of which represent port workers.

Other speakers included Labour Party transport spokesperson Darren Hughes MP.

Timaru District Mayor Janie Annear attended the meeting along with several local councillors. The Mayor contributed to the meeting as did Timaru Port Company CEO Jeremy Boys.

Audience members included workers, farmers and local businesspeople.

He says there was a unanimous support from the meeting for a motion from the local branch of the Maritime Union that pressed for the need to preserve local jobs and regional economic development and requested a meeting be set up between local representatives with the Minister of Transport and Fonterra.

A steering committee has been established with representatives from unions, business and local government to carry out these tasks.

Mr Hanson says one of the themes that came out of the meeting was concern about Fonterra’s actions and a sense that the Timaru district deserved a better deal for its considerable contribution to New Zealand’s exports.

He says that there is considerable goodwill in the community who understand the importance of the future of the port to Timaru.

(cartoon courtesy of the Shipping Gazette)

Read the full story here.

The meeting will be held at “Robbies” (Hibernian Hotel), Latter Street, Timaru on THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2009 starting at 7.30pm sharp.

All concerned local people are invited to the meeting, including port workers, unions, business, industry, farmers, and all those concerned with the future of the port.

National and local government representatives will be invited.

The Maritime Union has expressed its concern at the recent decision by Fonterra to bypass the Port of Timaru for its exports. We believe this is a mistake and will have bad outcomes for the regional economy.

In our view it is imperative that the move by Fonterra is reviewed and a co-ordinated plan be put in place to ensure that the future of the Port of Timaru is not undermined.

This issue is of great importance and Timaru deserves a say on its own future.

This decision will have a significant impact on employment in Timaru. The major impact will be felt over time if the Port of Timaru becomes a second rate port due to the current situation, which could threaten many different businesses and future economic development in the Timaru region. This includes port workers, farmers, exporters, the marine and maritime industry, local retailers, and all those whose livelihood depends directly or indirectly on the Port of Timaru.

It is our view that Timaru needs to come together on this issue and fight for its future.

Queries can be directed to Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson on 021390585 or email trevor.hanson@munz.org.nz

Media inquiries can be directed to Maritime Union Communications Officer Victor Billot on 021482219 or email victor.billot@munz.org.nz

For further information, please check back or visit the Maritime Union of New Zealand website.