Look to Lyttelton Port for regional ownership option
"The real test for the pilots will come when handling high windage or deep draft, maximum LOA vessels in marginal surge / wind conditions. In these situations prudence and sticking to the limits is paramount."
Graham Chaplow’s letter ( Friday, November 30) mentions the very real risks pilots (and tug / mooring staff) will have to face at times when handling the larger vessels at No 6 Wharf.
I expect Napier Port will have considered the navigational risks of manoeuvring vessels to or from No 6 Wharf by simulation and assessment by the pilots, the HBRC Harbour Master among others.
This assessment should also cover the adequacy of the mooring arrangements and contingency plans for vessels berthed at No 6 wharf.
The real test for the pilots will come when handling high windage or deep draft, maximum LOA vessels in marginal surge / wind conditions. In these situations prudence and sticking to the limits is paramount.
The recently approved resource consent to proceed with No 6 Wharf development will also include submissions from Maritime NZ and the HBRC / Harbour Master as very relevant and accountable stakeholders.
As for funding the port upgrade my preference is for Option A.
A good indicator to me that this is the right option is that the part regionally owned Lyttelton Port Company was listed on the NZX but ownership has now reverted to 100 per cent regional ownership after a complete share buy back by the Christchurch City Holdings Ltd, Octo- ber 2014.
One hundred per cent ownership means the region retains 100 per cent dividends and “tailored to fit” local control.
Captain Charlie Rycroft Former HBRC Harbour Master
Shareholder benefits
After all the public recommended options and history lessons, people will be confused and may even have difficulty understanding the plan. If we accept that expansion is necessary and a reasonable risk, then the favoured funding plan is a common approach.
The upshot is that only one option can proceed.
Most fundraising for organisations contemplating expansion will be by a public float which allows all interested parties to make an investment.
HBRC through its subsidiary retains absolute control holding 51% of the entity.
We should acknowledge that this idea has been around for some time and has no doubt been very carefully considered.
Not promoted much is the beneficial influence new shareholders can have over the ports’ performance.
New shareholders will require an adequate dividend as well as ongoing long term stability and profitability.
Don’t underestimate this influence. Some investors may have a lot of “helpful know-how”. Yes new shareholders might be mums and dads or foreigners.
It seems that most expansion in NZ requires foreigners’ capital, take a look around NZ companies.
The “lease” option has not been discussed but is also a viable option. Too late now but may be raised in the future in the event of a poor performance.
We should enthusiastically pursue this new opportunity and, apart from the wider regional benefits, have a high expectation the port dividend to HBRC will continue.
Tony East Havelock North
Pool process flawed
On December 4 I attended the NCC-run meeting regarding the new swimming pool to be built on Tamatea Dr.
I came out of that meeting with the feeling that this whole process is flawed.
This is a once in a generation chance to build a major asset for our community, just as the Onekawa pool was back in the 60s and at a price tag of $40 million it has to be got right.
My feeling is the process has been rushed, and this is evident by a large number of ratepayers who feel disenfranchised by this project.
To be honest I don’t care if our mayor wants this project well underway by the time he leaves office.
What I do care about is that we get it exactly right first time because we will have it for the next 50 years.
If it takes another couple of years to do this so be it.
In five years’ time the extra time will be forgotten and we all will be proud of a complex that is fit for purpose and has been built in the right place.
Kevin Pettigrew
Poraiti
Uncomfortable facts
In reference to Roger Moroney’s column (December 4), I also believe we are blessed. However, delving into statistics about our fair town I have uncovered some uncomfortable facts which may surprise some and be no surprise to those who are living the reality of the statistic.
Proportionately the waiting list for social housing is twice the national average.
The proportion of youth not in employment education or training is 50% higher than the national average.
The crime rate is more than twice the national average.
The deprivation index for Maraenui is close to the highest in the country.
The people of Hawke’s Bay find accessing health care more difficult than the national average.
If you are before the courts in Hawke’s Bay you are 50% more likely to go to prison than the national average.
The Napier Pilot City Trust is an organisation that was formed 35 years ago to address related issues. With renewed commitment we are ready to assist our leaders in achieving measurable improvement in these statistics. If you are interested to know more, donate, or give time, contact our chair Joan Plowman joanplow@gmail.com
Fran Lowe, PhD Napier Pilot City Trust