Port throws the doors open
South Port tours illustrate new policy of community engagement, writes Damian Rowe.
Members of the public got to explore South Port’s Island Harbour in Bluff for the first time since the facility open 60 years ago.
They were allowed inside the port facility, to sit inside a container forklift, go on its tugboats and watch demonstrations of its operations.
South Port business development manager Jamie May said it was the first time the Island Harbour port had been accessible to the public since it opened in 1960.
South Port created a community engagement policy at the end of last year which involved hosting a port tour every two years, and South Port staff having a presence at community events, May said.
While South Port had a financial presence in the community previously, the policy meant staff members would be out during work days for events such as the Burt Munro Challenge, and would be involved in a cricket in schools programme in Bluff later in the month.
About 400 people registered for the open day.
South Port port facilities security adviser Jordan Culliford thought it would be difficult for security reasons to run the tour but the use of buses and having people sign in on Foreshore Rd made it work.
Not only was it an opportunity for members of the public to have a look inside the port operations but it was also a chance for families to see where staff work, Culliford said.
Culliford took his son Hudson to explore the facility.
Retired bus driver Peter Te Tai also came to see where his grandson worked. Houston Te Tai operates a container forklift.
When Peter heard about the opportunity to visit his grandson’s workplace, he volunteered to drive the tour bus.
South Port is the only Southland company listed on the NZX. May declined to comment on the effect Covid-19 might have on the port.