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Logistics & Transport nz $15.00 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF CILT NEW ZEALAND Volume 19 Issue 3 March 2021 Our rising stars The trillion-dollar supply chain question What He Pou a Rangi report means for freight
ON THE COVER Aerial shot of Eastland Port’s Southern Log Yard Photo: Eastland Port LOGISTICS & TRANSPORT NZ IS THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF LOGISTICS & TRANSPORT NZ 6 Contents Heeding our customers’ calls............................................................................... 3 The PR Company...................................................................................................... 3 Our rising stars.........................................................................................................4 The trillion-dollar supply chain question.........................................................6 Eastland Port – Paving the Way in Future and Environment.......................8 Are drones the key to future-proof conservation?....................................... 11 What He Pou a Rangi report means for freight..............................................13 8 Foreign aviation research and a proposed departure tax could benefit New Zealand..............................................................................................15 CILT Mentoring Review.........................................................................................17 Workforce Development Council’s Orders in Council Proposals.............20 In the next edition The editorial team welcomes expressions of interest for submitting an article for the June 2021 edition of this journal, especially from young professionals (those under the age of 35). Contributors should in the first instance contact the editorial convenor, Murray King (email murray.king@xtra.co.nz) to discuss their article. 13 Deadline for the June 2021 edition: May 3. 12 SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT CILT … If you enjoy reading this magazine and think others would too, please share it with others – leave it on the coffee table at work, or out at reception CILT NZ National Office: Advertising Contact: Published under Also published under PO Box 1281, CILT national office contract (print) by: contract (web) by: Shortland Street, Tel: 09 368 4970, Email: info@cilt.co.nz Excel Digital Webstruxure Auckland 21 Jamaica Drive, 29 Tory St, Wellington Editorial Contact: Wellington 5028 Tel: 09 368 4970 Daniel Paul, The PR Company Tel: 04 801 7053 Fax: 09 368 4971 Tel: 04 499 0912 Email: hello@webstruxure.co.nz Tel: 021 400 993 Email: studio@exceldp.co.nz Web: webstruxure.co.nz Email: daniel@theprcompany.co.nz Disclaimer: This publication is the official magazine of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport New Zealand Inc (CILT NZ). It is published quarterly. All material appearing in this publication is copyright and may not be reproduced without the permission of CILT NZ. The views expressed in this publication are not those of the editorial committee, CILT NZ, its council, officers or The PR company, unless expressly stated as such.
March 2021 3 Heeding our customers’ calls BY MARK CAIRNS The Port of Tauranga Chief apparent than in the past six Executive retires at the end of June. months, as the blockages at Ports In just a few months I will retire after 15 years of Auckland have caused chaos at the helm of Port of Tauranga, by far New throughout the supply chain, Zealand’s busiest and most productive port. congestion at many ports and delays for shippers and their I am proud of what we have built at Port of customers. Tauranga, and the wide-ranging benefits shared by our customers, partners, We have done our best to shareholders and community. Our success accommodate diverted vessels has been a huge contributor to the growth and cargo, but have been and prosperity of our region and our country. hampered by capacity constraints on the rail network. Our distance to international markets, and our persistently strong dollar, means New To avoid future congestion, Port Zealand must maintain and improve our of Tauranga is pursuing plans to international competitiveness. We must convert existing port land into a offer an efficient, low-cost and – more fourth container berth. importantly – low carbon supply chain. Ports The berth construction project grapple with the threat posed by the Covid- and their transport networks are critical, long will be accompanied by investment in 19 pandemic. run infrastructure assets and are vital to our technology to increase our storage capacity at country’s future prosperity. the container terminal. Our health and safety team, working with our operational teams, have made a huge effort Over the past decade, Port of Tauranga has In addition, we are partnering with Tainui to embed new procedures and protocols to heeded the calls from our customers Group Holdings to develop an inland port at keep our people and the community safe to ensure New Zealand has a “big ship the Ruakura Superhub just outside Hamilton. from Covid-19. I thank all of our people for capable” port. We have invested heavily in The rail-linked Ruakura Superhub will be a their ongoing diligence, especially as many infrastructure to accommodate bigger vessels game-changer for the Upper North Island of them have to endure the discomfort of and cargo exchanges, and unlock efficiency supply chain and unlock even more efficiencies regular Covid-19 tests for border workers. gains for importers and exporters. for importers and exporters. As I prepare to spend more time on the Port of Tauranga is now the only port that These two projects are made possible through water and less time in the office, I am can handle the large 9,500-container ships Port of Tauranga’s strong relationships with pleased to be leaving behind a company in calling here weekly. These larger ships are our customers and our suppliers. These excellent shape. I’m incredibly proud of the also much more environmentally efficient, relationships help us plan for the future with positive outcomes we have achieved for our offering nearly a third lower carbon confidence and have seen us grow Port of customers and our community. emissions per container. If we are serious as a Tauranga from a regional bulk export port into country about meeting our decarbonisation New Zealand’s international cargo hub. I am excited to see where the company objectives, then we must continue to provide goes next. There is a creative and innovative Of course, success is nothing without the infrastructure for vessels of this scale. team to take the port into the future. Port ability to send our people home healthy. Our of Tauranga is, and will continue to be, New The need to relentlessly pursue a more strong focus on safety has intensified even Zealand’s Port for the Future. efficient supply chain has never been more further in the past year, as we have had to LOGISTIC AND TRANSPORT’S The PR Company NEWEST MAGAZINE EDITORS ESTABLISHED by Daniel Paul, The PR StraitRunner. He was responsible for all the James Paul (Daniel’s son) is a shareholder in Company has been in existence in various PR planning, media interaction, government the business, and has experience working on guises for over 30 years. relations (regulatory requirements) and advocacy and promotional/media campaigns stakeholder relations needed to establish for various clients. Daniel is a Fellow of the Public Relations the service, and the subsequent branding He is a former journalist who worked on both Institute of New Zealand and has and marketing. In doing so, he reported to a provincial newspaper and for New Zealand’s nearly 40 years’ experience in strategic the company’s three owners who disagreed largest online news platform, Stuff. communications and PR roles. on virtually every element of the company’s He has worked in senior positions in both the operations, differences Daniel was expected James is directly responsible for the public public and private sectors, including to “manage”, but which eventually led to the relations and communications activities of managing projects with some of New company’s collapse. clients including the Crane Association of NZ, Zealand’s higher profile companies. the NZ Institute of Building Surveyors, and And he was used by NZ Red Cross to manage Gas NZ. Interestingly, he managed the launch of one the media around the release of information of the first inter-Island fast ferry services, the relating to abducted nurse Louisa Akavi.
4 Logistics & Transport NZ YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Our rising stars BY JAMES PAUL THE CILT NZ 2020 AWARDS recognised a number of outstanding Kiwis working in the transport and logistics sector – including two young people who have been recognised for their progress to date and ambition for the future. Bradley Rose, the CILT NZ Rising Star Young Employee Megan Crow, winner of the CILT NZ Rising Star Young Employee of the Year Award 2020, of the Year Award 2020 Runner-up. Photos: Mel Waite with C3 Transport Manager Kevin Bird. Rising Star Young Employee of As C3 Transport driver, Von Moore, put So, what are Megan’s thoughts on receiving the Year it in his support of her nomination, Megan such accolades, including the award? The Rising Star Young Employee of the year joined the company as “the young lady in “I was surprised, as I did not know I had been recognises a young employee (under 35) the office”. nominated. But it’s great to know what I am in the transport and logistics sectors who But as each day passed, Mr Moore and other doing is making an impact. embodies the mission of their employer, colleagues watched her workload grow, consistently produces quality work, and “I’m passionate about running things well and soaking up as much knowledge as she could displays characteristics that are valued making a difference. Helping change our day- with each new job, and finetuned it to “make by their peers and colleagues, as well as to-day business processes from a paper-based it easier for us the drivers”. managers. operation to fully electronic was a highlight. “As our transport department grows, so too No one has epitomised this better than “I helped manage the project from the initial does ‘the young lady in the office’. She has Megan Crow, the recipient of the 2020 award, idea through to implementation. It’s become a very capable and respected young of C3 Ltd Transport Branch. completely changed with way we operate, leader.”
March 2021 5 and we’ve gained a lot of efficiencies within ever the same – and you need to be able to Born in the Manawatu, but growing up in our organisation and the way we work with think on your feet and always have plans A, B Hawkes Bay, he moved to Christchurch in customers.” and C ready to go. 2006 where some of his career highlights include launching a new transport Growing up near Wellington, Megan was “The logistics industry is also one that changes lucky enough to be selected for a 12-month management system, launching a digital as the world changes. In the current and AFS Intercultural Program student exchange uncertain COVID-19 climate, logistics has been “Cross Dock” system, the building and opening to Belgium. an essential service offering job security.” of both the new Ambient Temperature Controlled facilities on Foodstuff’s Hornby Always having an interest in business, her time Young Employee of the Year Award Site, and the IBOD Deployment into Hornby in Europe opened her eyes to the possibilities Runner-up Ambient DC – a machine for automatically of international business and marketing. removing the lids off cartons. Such was the calibre of talent submitted for That led her to study at Massey University the awards, it was hard for judges – including Bradley likes coming into work each day towards obtaining a Bachelor of Business last year’s winner, Isabella Bennich-Wolter – to because every day is different; there are Studies (International Business), during which pick a runner-up. always newer technologies or approaches time Megan joined the Tauranga-based C3 to be developed and implemented. The role front office to undertake administrative tasks. Nevertheless, judges agreed that Bradley Rose not only demonstrates wide technical also offers the perfect balance of interaction Ten months later, and a degree to boot, she knowledge but also excellent presentation and between IT and supply chain people, he says. was promoted to Transport Coordinator change management skills with an ability to “I like computers, but I like even more the where she was in charge of labour allocation, communicate with people at all levels. opportunity to get out on site and see all of dispatch, account management and reporting The 27-year-old joined Foodstuffs South Island our supply chain operation in action while tools for nearly two years. 10 years ago as a part time employee working being there to support and guide people As C3 moved to computerised dispatch 16 hours a week in the Temperature Controlled using those computers. The greatest part is systems – such as ICOST, Container Chain, Distribution Centre, at a time when it was seeing somebody’s reaction when they finally E-Road logbooks and vehicle checks – Megan operating out of two small chillers and click to a new process or function I have must stay two or three steps ahead of staff in freezers (it now boasts four chillers and three explained, and you know they will then be her understanding of these applications. freezers). empowered to use it for themselves and to As problems arose, she was able to After learning a variety of roles and gaining their benefit.” troubleshoot and find a work around and do experience in all the systems, Bradley joined As for the future, Bradley is focused on what she does best – work with drivers to the support office to help with testing of new sinking his teeth into more developments educate them on the new systems. system developments. and projects, while Foodstuffs wants to That was no mean feat, according to Mr This transformed into a full-time role focusing invest in his future as he is a highly valued Moore, when dealing with 20 or so older on system support, and further evolved into member of the supply chain team. drivers who aren’t as adept at dealing with his role today, Supply Chain Systems and He will be looking to expand his knowledge new technology. Process Support. of project management to help understand “In many cases Megan achieved this by not It is Bradley’s day-to-day responsibility to and appreciate all roles of this area, as taking ‘no’, ‘I can’t do this’ or ‘this damn thing ensure that all of the business’s operational well as continue his Foodstuffs leadership won’t work’ as an acceptable answer,” Mr Distribution Centre and Transport South Island development by completing the Moore says. staff have the required knowledge and support Management Academy. needed to effectively use Foodstuffs systems. “Her constantly positive attitude and pure Following that there is the Executive zest for our department is contagious to say From warehouse management to SAP transport Development and Advanced Leadership the least. Inspiring even the grumpiest of us management and additional third-party programs, and Bradley will be a strong to strive for betterment of our department systems, Bradley handles queries on how to candidate to begin the CILT programme of and C3 as a whole, while no health and safety use current systems, write user documentation education, via the certificate and/or diploma issue is left behind. for it and lead the training for when new in logistics. systems are launched, or existing ones are “Megan has been seen many a time, after “Our technology is always on the move and enhanced. work, helping someone with their own we have some exciting plans around driver personal problems or helping them with It seems a lot to have on one’s plate, and with mobility. I’m also interested to see what the new-fangled dispatch/logbook tablets. so many people in the business, Bradley says comes our way in terms of automation as I Megan is able to do all of this while not he was grateful to be recognised for his efforts. think that’s a huge area we will see a lot of losing sight of the job in hand and is always growth in a small amount of time. willing to listen to new ideas, then support “I felt very grateful and honoured to have not them should they be of benefit to our tasks only been considered for an award but then “But I wouldn’t be where I am today, or able or wellbeing.” to receive one, it was a fantastic feeling. With to think about the future, without the long there being so many people in our business it list of people who have helped me including As for being a young woman in a male- is great to know somebody has been looking family, friends, managers, and leaders dominated industry, Megan says she doesn’t out and my efforts are being recognised. throughout. give it much thought as the logistics industry is a fast-paced environment which recognises “The next week a photo had been launched on “Also, thank you to those who contributed to people for their expertise and commitment. our company intranet and I had to field the nomination and to the panel for selecting more than a few congratulations, but it “Any young person wanting to make a big me as a recipient. Thank you to everybody in was extremely encouraging to receive this difference to the New Zealand economy our supply chain that keeps me in a job and from departments all over the building and should look closely at logistics. It is an thank you to all our retail shoppers that keep it created a good sense of community and industry with great variety – no two days are belonging within our company.” our business alive.”
6 Logistics & Transport NZ Dr Margaret Harris says there is an imbalance of boxes in New Zealand as ContainerCo can’t match what they require. For example, New Zealand needs a lot of refrigerated boxes but the country imports mostly plastic in dry boxes. Photos: ContainerCo The trillion-dollar supply chain question BY JAMES PAUL THERE IS A PINCH in New Zealand’s supply Several industry stakeholders have reported perfect storm in terms of disrupting various chain; the locales storing containers are full, sea freight import and export delays with parts of the supply chain. containers aren’t being taken away, and the vessels arriving five to seven days late to New According to Dr Harris, containers are arriving containers the country needs are not landing. Zealand. in New Zealand filled with plastic and So says current CILT NZ Vice President Dr This may have flow on delays for exporters to finished goods. The company then readies Margaret Harris, who is also ContainerCo move goods offshore, according to MFAT. them to export food, mostly milk powder Manager - Strategy and Innovation. It is a The delays have been attributed to multiple and other food products. situation befalling many ports and freighting causes including deferred import activity Therefore, there is an imbalance of boxes in companies, she adds. from earlier in the year due to COVID-19 the country as the company can’t match shutdowns in trading partners, the death of a According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs what they require. For example, New Zealand worker at the Port of Auckland, and industrial and Trade’s (MFAT) October 2020 report – needs a lot of refrigerated boxes but the action in Australian ports delaying vessel Monitoring the Operation of International country imports mostly plastic in dry boxes. flows. Supply Chains – there is a reported fall in “What usually happens is the shipping imports of nearly $1 billion in August, which led “These developments are occurring at a time company often has a few extra spots on to the largest annual trade surplus since 2014. when New Zealand typically enters peak the ship, and they pick up what they call import and export season and an inter- The report states that the $1.3 billion annual evacuation boxes. They take a bunch of boxes governmental group of officials led by the goods trade surplus was the result of a rise that they don’t need away, and drop off a Ministry of Transport [MOT] is following in exports, particularly of kiwifruit and dairy bunch of boxes that can be used which we developments closely,” the report states. products, and a decline in imports during the fill up – matching the loads.” national lockdown, notably of crude oil, cars What does this mean for companies like Not only is this a mix and match problem in and other vehicles. ContainerCo on the ground? Dr Harris says New Zealand, but one experienced around they’ve “got way too many containers”. While COVID-19 has disrupted global sea the world, Dr Harris says. freight to a lesser extent than air freight, The company stores, repairs, accepts and “The real problem is that when COVID-19 hit, some sea freight supply chain pressures have releases containers on behalf of major the shipping companies assumed that global emerged recently. shipping lines, and this year has been the
March 2021 7 demand would fall because there would be a recession. To be fair to them, that is what happened in the initial stages of the early lockdown, and the economy kind of tanked all over the world. “The shipping companies accelerated their retirement scheme for some of their older vessels and cut routes, doing all sorts of things that are very sensible in a crisis of that kind. But the thing was, people who were trapped in their houses, looked at their kitchens and realised they hated it. “They had all this extra money because they weren’t eating out at restaurants, and hired a kitchen designer, and everyone renovated their kitchen at once. Suddenly demand for all those products boomed and needed to come from overseas.” There were constraints, however, as shipping rates “went through the roof”, which Dr Harris puts down to the various complex factors Hundreds of containers are trapped inside New Zealand and choking up the system, as there is only a involved. limited capacity to hold all of them. She says if you’ve got an empty slot on a boat, the shipping company has the option of either taking an empty container – which isn’t going to make them money – or they can take a box which can. Therefore, the shipping companies, says Dr Harris, have been prioritising full boxes over the empties being evacuated from New Zealand. That has led to hundreds of containers being trapped inside New Zealand and choking up the system, as there is only a limited capacity to hold all of them. “We’re at 130% capacity in one of our yards in Auckland and 240% in another. We got to that level of capacity asking our neighbours if we could stack our containers on their land, which they kindly agreed to,” Dr Harris says. “We process all these containers in a batch. So, how we get above 100% is cutting into our working space, and the batches become smaller. Therefore, the container supply – the repair and upgrade – becomes much more constrained because you can’t make so many The pandemic provided all the right ingredients for the disruption of various parts of New Zealand’s containers available per hour. supply chain. “It’s a really tricky problem for us, which we’re managing as best we can. My staff and already excellent, let’s not get ourselves “But I would say if it’s going to get better, colleagues are amazing.” wrong. it’ll get better over the wintertime because Luckily, MOT has been cognisant of the we import and export less during the “But I just think the level of their problem, and Dr Harris applauds their winter. understanding has taken a quantum leap strength of conviction to try and fix the in maybe the last year. The fact that these “If we export less during the winter, we problems. guys are ringing us up and telling us they should be able to remove some of the “I think the lockdown taught them an awful understand what the problems are and excess containers from the system using the lot about the supply chain in an awfully short asking how they can work with us to fix slots that come free on the ship. space of time. And now they understand how it, is not different from the norm but very “But potentially, the ships might not call it all fits together, they can see what levers encouraging.” into New Zealand because they’ll be to pull, which is really fascinating. They’re As for the supply chain’s pinch being desperately needed elsewhere, between bloody clever.” relinquished anytime soon, Dr Harris isn’t sure China and America, China and Europe. “I would say that the quality of MOT policy or confident. She can’t say if the supply chain These ships might just be re-routed and that results from this fiasco will improve will get better or worse, because COVID-19 is we won’t have so many call, and I'm a bit greatly. I mean, the quality of the policy was such a complex and evolving situation. worried about that.”
8 Logistics & Transport NZ Eastland Port – Paving the Way in Future and Environment Aerial shot of the wharf-side log yard, and the Training Wall at Eastland Port. Photos: Eastland Port ROBYNN HYDE LOOKS INTO WHAT MAKES EASTLAND PORT A MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO THE NATION’S EXPORTS, THE GROWTH OF ITS WHARF, AND ITS FIRST MAJOR DEVELOPMENT IN OVER A CENTURY. Originally named Tu- ranga, the city of The commodities of trade were flax, muskets, played an important role of directing the Gisborne with a current population of 37,000 blankets and tobacco. Not long after Captain river run so that the flow deviates away from (recorded June 2020) is characterised by its Read erected jetties on east and west sides the port in efforts to stop levels of sediment water gateway. of the river. It is on the Kaiti side of the river accumulation. in 1852 where a public wharf was established; With a swell in local growth in early 1960 and Renowned as New Zealand’s second largest prompting the commencement of wharfage a population of 23,000, Gisborne was known export port of the nation’s log produce, it is fees. The port’s debut harbourmaster and as an extensive market hub and a city that also a thriving commercial shipping port. Last pilot arrived in 1874. year the Taira-whiti-Gisborne region recorded prospered from local agricultural exports 2.8 million tonnes of cargo exported, a With the facilitation by the Gisborne such as dairy, cattle and pigs, freezing works sizeable effort considering the pandemic Harbour Board, the breakwater was built in and agriculture, wheat, and peach trees. impact of 2020 that challenged the resilience the early 1900’s. It was in 1909 that Gisborne With further development to the port of the port. Port handled 574 vessels (majority steam with including excavation for diversion channel smaller portion sail) made possible due to and the inner harbour work, it was in 1967 Trading dates back to the 1820’s when the dredging, blasting and the breakwater when overseas vessels commenced berthing European flax was traded by Ma-ori from ships development. at Gisborne at Wharf 7. in the south-west of the bay. One of the first shore traders along the river was John Harris The slipway was erected in 1926 as an area for “Eastland Port’s operations have been at the in 1831 who set up along the western side of the repair-work and reconditioning of craft. heart of Taira-whiti since 1872, enabling our the Tu- ranganui River. The river training wall built also in the 1920’s region’s most significant growth industries,”
March 2021 9 Eastland Group Chief Operating Officer Examples of this are the $1.8 million ISO Stevedore office and facility provides a Andrew Gaddum reflects. invested in high grade mooring system and unified stevedore and marshalling service. a navigational safety upgrade. The ISO team also run a bespoke workshop Diversification is the key on the harbour to facilitate the repairs to Fishing boat berthage is carried out at the A new trade chapter opened with the machinery used for loading vessels. inner harbour Wharf 6 (numbers 4 and and diversification of Gisborne’s industries: 5 now removed for future upgrade) and the Investing in enviro-aware initiatives forestry, agriculture, fisheries, horticulture. Marina is available for casual and permanent With this diversification, the supply chain of Two storm water treatment systems operate hire for small vessels not exceeding 20m. Eastland Port and the Taira-whiti-Gisborne at the port; one in the Upper Log Yard and region responded by providing future centric Storage facilities: log, dry, break- the other at the new wharf-side storage yard. and environment friendly facilities to meet These are able to treat 50 cubic metres of bulk, cool room the demands of the export chain. water per hour each. The Upper Log Yard also The Upper Log Yard is a 2.84 hectares storage has the added feature of two rain gardens “By exporting more and building capability to space allocated to suppliers of harvested which filter storm water, a compliment to ship more diverse products, local logs from the regions and surrounding forest the storm water treatment system optimising producers have a cheaper, easier and more plantations. The Upper Log Yard has a muster removal of sediment and further cleanliness environmentally friendly way to export their point and an underpass for access from the to sea water. They also plan to install a third goods to market,” Mr Gaddum says. Upper Log Yard to the wharf-side log yard. water treatment system as part of the twin Primary commodities and trades The Southern Log Yard is the largest storage berth project which will sit in the Southern yard on port at over 9 ha and operates the Log Yard and complete the treatment of all The major trading commodities of the region stormwater across port. are identified as agricultural outputs same as the Upper Log Yard. This on port including beef, sheep, grain farming, while storage site provides efficiencies for outgoing There are also two Seabins installed in the horticulture produces big yields in kiwifruit, exports due to its close proximity to point of inner harbour to clean the water and collect squash, apples, citrus, macadamias, and pip loading onto vessel on Wharf 8. The wharf- hazard and waste material. fruit. Gisborne is the third largest producer side storage yard is designed for multitasking, currently operating as a log storage area but The port’s eco-friendly head office sits just of wine in New Zealand. It is the abundant is forecasted to be the future parking spot outside of the port boundaries and runs forest plantation industry that underpins for full container loads. on solar energy, and also features charging Gisborne as an exporter for log and wood stations for electric cars. The port also boasts products. Case in point being the overall The zero-store chilled storage facility is a the largest electric vehicle in the country performance of 2020 which records exports notable feature of the port providing the with the recent procurement of an electric of 2,873,621 tonnes of logs and 17,109 tonnes benefits of temperature-controlled storage water truck for dust suppression. collectively of squash, kiwifruit, apples, and of fresh kiwifruit produce that is packed fish. The slipway will be refurbished to create a on pallets and shipped. There are two cool habitat for juvenile crayfish. It is the 2018/19 year that recorded exports storage facilities that has a total cool room from Eastland Port at just beneath 3 million capacity of 12,000 tonnes. Infrastructure and redevelopment tonnes, the majority of that being logs. opportunities Matawhero Log Yard is another storage area The shape of today of 5.7 ha which is located off port and Developing the Twin Berth is the long-time provides capacity for the overflow from goal that has been taking shape and Eastland Port of Gisborne is a thriving port, the on-port storage yard and also for new formation. The result of the development operating as an export hub providing suppliers to Eastland Port. will see two 185-200 metre vessels wharfage services, berthing, pilotage, berthing concurrently. This will be a pivotal mooring, towage, vessel hire, space The export efficiency of logs is bolstered by achievement and will open up multiple lines facilities for customers to carry out storage, Eastland Port’s own debarking station. The of benefits, from jobs, improved productivity, marshalling and warehousing of cargo. debarking machines remove bark from logs and the ability to expand cargo exports via before export on site at the port which The port has regulated biosecurity-controlled containers shipping. elevates the overall performance of output zones and log debarking and anti-sap stain efficiencies with the added benefit of adding Actualising the shift to containers will be a facilities are also features of the port. to jobs and economy. Logs shipped in this game changer as the current export methods Eastland Port makes up part of the operation clean condition have another benefit – the are restricted to log vessels, breakbulk, and arm of Eastland Group with their shareholder elimination of harsh treatments that are felt road transport to alternate ports. being Trust Taira-whiti. by other countries exporting wood products, “While logs are our primary export today, we Land side features and wharf especially during the brown marmorated want to create a coastal container terminal stink bug season each year. Eastland Port has a river basin harbour with a to expand the options for exporters, enabling channel depth of 9-10 metres. The port’s In addition to the aforementioned land more types of goods to be exported and Wharf 7 and 8, equipped for berthing cargo features, Eastland Port boasts a primary imported via the blue highway,” Mr Gaddum and cruise vessels have a joint length of muster station, trailer hoists, port workshop, said. 364m. The swing basin of the port is 255m paint locker, scaling yard, and un-chaining Having the ability to unload or load two in diameter. The mean tide is 0.3m and area. Secured areas include Customs vessels concurrently will bring significant a anchorage is between 15-18m. bonded area, Quarantine bonded area, and boost to port capacity, export volumes, and International Ship and Ports Facility Security revenue. Live tracking, shipping schedules, bonded area. environment monitoring, tidal measurements and vessel pre-arrival planning are an integral A dry store shed, office, meeting room, part of the operations and the port has security hut and secondary muster station Cont. on page 10 invested in latest technologies for accuracy also feature. and safety.
10 Logistics & Transport NZ The overall development plan will work in Stage two will involve extending Wharf 8, halt. Fortunately, exports have recovered alignment with protecting the wellbeing of and dredging the harbour and channel, as strongly and the port is humming.” marine life and upholding the integrity of well as the reclamation and refurbishment of In December 2020, Eastland Port exported the sacred rock, Te-Toka-a-Taiau – as well 1.5ha of the existing breakwaters. 262,000 Japanese Agricultural Standard or as respecting iwi and hapu- of Tu- ranganui-a- The challenges tonnes via 11 vessels. Despite the challenges, Kiwa. the port still concluded the 2020 year with The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the The upgrade to the infrastructure will see strong figures. export trade out of Eastland Port and the two consecutive stages of development. Taira-whiti region, affecting jobs and the There will be expected minor disturbance to Stage one involves redeveloping the slipway economy, but the port’s activity has already movement and berthing at the wharf during and Wharf 7, with construction beginning in shown its willingness to recover. Stage one of the site’s redevelopment. This mid-2021. This is an integral stage to rebuild is due to the necessity to divert vessels to this section of the wharf so that it can have Mr Gaddum says: “Our place in the Wharf 8 causing some congestion due to the the support and durability to accommodate community was starkly highlighted when kiwi, squash, and log vessels. The port will mobile cranes. Reducing and redeveloping COVID-19 first started impacting our major manage this period by proactive planning and the slipway will allow for the critical export market, China. Seemingly overnight, organisation. manoeuvre room for two vessels. the entire forestry supply chain came to a Key Benefits from the Infrastructure 2020 outcomes for Eastland Port Developments Loaded 2.8 million tonnes of Taira-whiti exports onto Container shipping will mean mass reduction in 129 cargo ships. carbon emissions 2,873,621 tonnes of logs exported on 118 ships 3,000 new jobs created* 11,262 tonnes of squash exported on 6 ships. Increase to local economy by $250 million 5,098 tonnes of kiwifruit exported on 5 ships Boost to exports of commodities via container *includes direct and indirect jobs such as forestry and horticulture industry Aerial shot of the Southern Log Yard, a log ship berthed at Wharf 7, the slipway, and the outer breakwater at Eastland Port.
March 2021 11 Are drones the key to future-proof conservation? Co-founders of Envico Technologies, Samuel Vye (left) and Cameron Baker. Photos: Envico Technologies SAMUEL VYE, CO-FOUNDER OF TAURANGA’S ENVICO TECHNOLOGIES (FORMERLY ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGIES), DISCUSSES WITH DANIEL DUNT THE FUTURE OF DRONES IN CONSERVATION EFFORTS, PROBLEMS FACING THE INDUSTRY, AND WHY THIS INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY IS NOT ONLY FOR BIG BUSINESS. SAMUEL VYE AND CAMERON BAKER completing deliveries far faster than ground impact means that they are not suitable for founded Envico in 2018. The company was delivery. Plus, with drones, you don’t have heavy-lift drone usage. Additionally, battery quickly recognised for its leading drone people on the ground scrambling through drones typically have short flight times of technology and automated ground devices dangerous territory, or flying helicopters in 10-20 minutes, so are unviable for many for invasive pest management. Interest in turbulent wind, which can cause accidents. drone delivery or heavy payload applications. Envico surged in 2019 which led to rapid If a drone goes down, it can be irritating and As a result, Envico is moving towards the internal expansion, including bringing several there are financial repercussions, but there’s petrol combustion engine to power its engineers on board, to develop technology no risk to the pilot.” drones. “They can fly for much longer and for other areas of conservation, including carry more payload. Obviously, petrol drones for thermal mapping and seed pod Despite the array of benefits of using drones powered drones do emit carbon, however delivery – a fast and efficient way to conduct for conservation, as well as for transport based on calculations comparing our heavy native reforestation. and logistics long-term, there are lift drones to helicopters for agricultural/ some issues standing in the way of the forestry applications, for example, because But how do drones compare to more technology’s growth. our drones are lightweight and the specialist traditional methods? Mr Vye explains: technology used, we do in fact have 85% “It really comes down to cost efficiency, First, battery technology. According to Mr reduction in carbon emissions compared to a practicality and safety. Drones are easy to Vye, until we have a robust battery recycling manned helicopter,” Mr Vye clarifies. get up and running and they’re fast – they do method, and a renewable energy source what they need to do and then they return, for charging batteries, the environmental Cont. on page 12
12 Logistics & Transport NZ Despite the array of benefits of using drones for conservation, as well as for transport and logistics long-term, there are some issues standing in the way of the technology’s growth. So, while some environmentalists may be commercially viable for everyone involved, is an attractive investment prospect for concerned with the idea of burning fuel, it which is an ongoing conversation. investors – it’s shiny and futuristic in may well be the best of a bad situation right ways conservation or utility drones are Thankfully, these concerns are mostly now, until battery technology improves. not. However, that’s changing and Envico pertinent when you begin looking at long- Mr Vye is convinced it will be another Technologies are ready to step up. “Passenger distance drone operation, beyond visual decade or more before we can seriously drones are an exciting prospect, but the line of sight, or in areas of heavy air traffic. begin comparing the combustion engine to technology required for a viable and So, while long-haul transportation might electrically powered for heavy-lift drones, cost-efficient system fit for widespread be a while away yet, using drones as a but he’s positive that batteries will get there deployment is way off in the future, whereas conservation tool as well in agriculture, is eventually. we’re ready to start using heavy-lift drones something we can benefit from right here for commercial and utility applications right Regulations are the other major problem and now. And it’s not only feasible for big now, particularly as we can conduct BVLOS facing drones right now: “Regulators are not business, either. operations in rural environments.” managing to keep up with technological According to Mr Vye, there are many options developments. New Zealand is still at a point Envico has ruled out passenger drones for when buying drones, because you can tailor where, commercially, it is complex to gain now and is focusing its attention on heavy lift the technology to exactly what it is you approval to fly beyond visual line of sight drones for product carrying, which can carry need, including size and type. At the same (BVLOS),” explains Mr Vye, which of course weights of up to 200kg, for two hours and time, it’s not even necessary for businesses severely limits applications. The fix? “A robust with a 100km range. To support its efforts, to buy their own drones – small drones structure for regulatory approval, including in the coming months it will announce a perhaps, but large drones simply can be too beyond visual line of sight. But first, you need sister company which will focus on the complex to manage and operate, let alone to think about safety implications, like how a manufacture and supply of these heavy-lift gain the certification and approvals required. manned aircraft would not have an accident drones. “Partnerships, going to suppliers ... that’s how with a drone.” Aircraft need to be able to see small- to medium-sized businesses can truly “The last couple of years has been a bit of a each other, so an idea could be like airplanes, benefit from heavy-lift drone technology. whirlwind, with requests from other drones could use Automatic Dependent That way you benefit from the expertise of countries and organisations who want our Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). another organisation, their certifications, advice or services. And we are looking approvals and insurance. There is a whole forward to working closely with those In New Zealand, like other countries, the host of factors to consider if purchasing a interested parties while continuing to push Government is running an air-space heavy-lift drone, far more than a small toy our innovations forward.” integration programme, which is all about drone, so working with drone specialists can how we put drones and manned aircraft in In a matter of years, drones could be the greatly reduce the risk.” the same space without exclusion zones. go-to for time and cost-efficient This is a promising step towards setting up an Much of the investment in drone technology conservation, and it looks like Envico could infrastructure for drones, however all parties and start-ups is currently toward passenger very well be leading the way – particularly in need to be happy and the setup must be carriers which, much like the space sector, New Zealand.
March 2021 13 What He Pou a Rangi report means for freight THE HE POU A RANGI CLIMATE CHANGE COMMISSION’S REPORT SIGNALS SIGNIFICANT CHANGE TO THE WAY KIWIS GO ABOUT THEIR LIVES, BUT QUESTIONS REMAIN ABOUT HOW THE GOVERNMENT WILL GUIDE US TO OUR NEW ZERO-EMISSIONS DESTINATION BY 2050. BY JAMES PAUL CALLING FOR “transformational and lasting change across society and the economy” in response to the climate crisis, the Commission found New Zealand will miss its emissions reduction targets if it doesn’t engage in “strong and decisive action now”. Therefore, the report recommended ambitious limits on the amount of greenhouse gases the country should be allowed to release over the next 15 years. Three new targets for the country were set: an average reduction of 2% each year between 2022 and 2025, 17% each year between 2025 and 2030 and 36% each year between 2030 and 2035. “Our carbon dioxide emissions per capita are higher than the global average. Aotearoa has made less progress reducing carbon dioxide emissions compared to many other New Plymouth-based company Hiringa Energy is developing a nationwide green hydrogen developed countries,” the report stated. refuelling network. Photo: Hiringa Energy “Since 1990, our carbon dioxide emissions have reduced by 5.2%. These reductions “In 1990, Aotearoa was ranked 16th out of This means changing the way we travel and are slower than 32 out of 43 other Annex 1 43 Annex 1 countries for lowest carbon move goods; Kiwis should walk and cycle countries.” dioxide emissions per capita. In 2018, we more and, more tellingly, freight will need to Annex 1 countries are defined as the had fallen to 25th out of 43, just below come off the road and onto rail and shipping. industrialised countries that were members average.” The Commission recommends an integrated of the Organisation for Economic That is just snapshot of the hundreds of national transport network to encourage Co-operation and Development in 1992 pages the Commission released in its greater public transport patronage, the wide and countries with economies in transition advice to the Government about what and adoption of electric vehicles, and the use including Russia, Scandinavia and several how to drastically reduce our greenhouse of low carbon fuels such as biofuels and other European states. gas emissions to meet the Paris Agreement hydrogen needs to increase in heavy trucks, The report highlights our transport emissions targets. trains, planes, and ships. per capita were high in 1990 and have The Commission’s analysis shows that While tackling the “low hanging fruit” of remained high; at 3.4 tCO2 (total carbon reducing transport emissions is crucial to decarbonising the country’s bus fleet by 2035 dioxide) per person in 2018, our transport meeting New Zealand’s emissions budgets is a relatively easy initiative to achieve, it is a emissions per capita are higher than all but 4 and reaching net zero by 2050: this will different story for the trucking industry, Road of 43 Annex 1 countries. have an immediate and lasting impact, the Transport Forum (RTF) Chief Executive Nick While worldwide emissions intensity of report states. Leggett says. transport increased substantially between Transport emissions made up 36.3 percent “The first thing to say is that, as an industry, 1990 and 2018, our transport emissions rose we support the Government’s aim of reaching of total long-lived gases in 2018, which more than other developed countries. is 16.6 Mt CO2-e, with most transport net zero emissions by 2050. It’s going to take The Commission found that overall, New emissions coming by way of fossil fuels myriad industries and individuals working Zealand is no longer ahead of comparable used to power vehicles: petrol and diesel together with government to even get close countries in carbon dioxide emissions per used by cars, SUVs and trucks (91%), to that point. capita as high transport emissions have more domestic flights (7%) and rail and coastal than offset low electricity emissions. shipping (2%). Cont. on page 14
14 Logistics & Transport NZ “We know that the technology to The aim is to have efficient and effective stations across the North and South Islands,” decarbonise buses is available and coming movement of freight, and continue to Mr Cowley says. on strong – look at all the cities around the improve that so we don’t let the economy “This ready to execute project will deliver country running fully electric buses. However, slip and reduce people’s ability to earn a the infrastructure to enable the adoption it’s far less certain for heavy transport, living throughout our country, he says. of zero emission fuel solutions that are particularly for line haul operators, because “If you look at the Climate Change operationally efficient, practical, sustainable the distance travelled is so much greater. Commission’s own estimates, they think we and convenient.” “That is exacerbated by a lack of could get a modal shift of about 4 percent The company believes its hydrogen FCEVs infrastructure throughout the country’s by 2030. While I think that’s ambitious, it is can achieve range between 500-700kms, transport routes. And should the within the realm of possibility. But how many payload capabilities comparable to Euro 6 infrastructure then be made available, billions of dollars do we have to spend to models and refuelling times as conventional outfitting trucks with batteries or the get that? vehicles. necessary charging apparatuses is likely to “Rail cannot, and will never be able to, reduce businesses’ payloads.” Additionally, they believe their technology is deliver for New Zealand’s freight task. Rail is carbon emissions-free, has reduced noise, RTF members include the Road Transport just not a contestable mode for doing most and high performance with instant torque Association New Zealand, National Road of what we need to do. It doesn’t back up to and acceleration, with no degradation. Carriers, and the New Zealand Trucking a farm gate, it doesn’t go to the supermarket, Association. and those are the things that people have got The Motor Industry Association (MIA) to remember in this discussion. welcomed the report into required pathways The affiliated representation of RTF is about to reduce New Zealand’s greenhouse 3,000 individual transport companies which “But people get very hung up on the means, gas emissions, stating it is a significant in turn operate between 16,000-18,000 and the means doesn’t exist for our portion contribution to the debate and documents truckers involved in road freight transport as of the transport industry at this point. the challenge ahead for all New Zealanders. well as companies that provide services allied Hopefully, they will emerge but, in the to road freight transport. meantime, we’ve got some stuff that we can Chief Executive, David Crawford, says the do to start that journey.” MIA has stated on many occasions that it Employing about 53,000 people, representing supports well thought out and constructive 2% of the workforce, the road transport However, some in the private sector are policies that will lead to an increased rate in industry has a gross annual turnover of following the Government’s lead in taking the reduction of CO2 emissions from New $6 billion and transports 70% of the New advantage of what they say is a gap in the Zealand’s vehicle fleet. Zealand’s land-based freight every year, market. measured on a tonne/kilometre basis. “None of the policies suggested by the Take New Plymouth-based company Hiringa Climate Change Commission are unexpected “For us, it’s about making incremental steps. Energy for example; it is the first company other than the timelines for electric vehicle That’s why the biofuel decision is positive. in New Zealand dedicated to the supply uptake and banning pure petrol or diesel We might get a 3-4% emissions reduction of green hydrogen, and provide hydrogen vehicles. The task required to decarbonise throughout our diesel-using vehicles in our solutions for the transport industry, the our transport is monumental.” fleet. That’s meaningful, that’s practical, that’s public sector, and transport operators. real today. Dr Jean-Paul Thull – past senior academic They are currently developing a nationwide and transport advisor – believes that “It’s not some future projection based on green hydrogen refuelling network to offer a decreasing carbon dioxide will benefit overall technology that doesn’t work. And so, it’s the zero-emission fuel supply chain as a service air quality but not necessarily change the incremental, it’s preparing the industry, it’s for businesses and public transport operators climate as there is evidence of higher-than- the industry being sustainable in its business across New Zealand. normal temperatures in the past, prior to practices today to get meaningful reductions Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) combine air heavy industry. in CO2 emissions, and continuing that as the and hydrogen to make water and electricity, technology develops.” “Taking the debate about electric or while using the same drivetrains as electric Hydrogen power trains aside, decarbonisation Another avenue that Mr Leggett suggests the vehicles but have a smaller battery. can be embraced by applying external and Government could pursue is producing Hydrogen storage is lighter than batteries so internal accessibility planning principles. policy that incentivises the use of the Euro 6 FCEVs carry more payload and drive further, standards for exhaust emissions, like that of “We need a strong focus on reducing traffic and energy is stored as compressed hydrogen the European Union’s sixth incarnation of the congestion associated with modern vehicle gas at 350 bar. directive to reduce vehicle pollutants in both technology and ensuring a mix of appropriate petrol and diesel cars. Hiringa Public Sector Advisor, Dion Cowley, modes and intelligent transportation system says decarbonising heavy transport and including pricing models to our congested A more widespread use of the highest quality public transport using hydrogen fuel cell transport corridors in regard to external diesel engines would encourage businesses vehicles is “low hanging fruit”, and the accessibility. to replace their existing fleet with the best technology to do so is available now. possible diesel emission engine on the “The toolbox for increased free flow market, he says. “New Zealand has excellent resources to can include options like introducing generate green hydrogen right now and we combined bus and heavy vehicle lanes, able Methods such as fuel-efficient driving, better see it playing a key role in New Zealand’s to be used by private vehicles as a toll lane, training around how to drive to reduce future energy mix. shifting expensive sector public transport fuel consumption, better roads, and less fares to time-based fares (e.g., 2 hours, 24 congestion are all incremental changes that “We begin the introduction of our refuelling hours) and including public transport annual could contribute, too. network to New Zealand later this year. Phase passes into salary packages by removing one of the network roll-out includes eight fringe benefit taxes.”
March 2021 15 What He Pou a Rangi Foreign aviation report means for freight research and a By Greg Miller, Group Chief Executive KiwiRail KIWIRAIL IS CAREFULLY considering the Climate Change Commission’s report and is encouraged by the commission’s support for rail, and proposed departure its recognition of the part rail can play in meeting the country’s commitment to reducing emissions. In FY20, using rail instead of road for freight meant a saving of nearly tax could benefit 237,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions. The commission’s proposal is to shift an additional 4% of New Zealand freight task from the road to rail and coastal shipping. New Zealand KiwiRail has the capacity to meet this increased demand. Improvements to the network’s resilience are being made as a result of substantial Government investment to address the legacy of underfunding in rail COVID-19 BROUGHT INTERNATIONAL tourism activity in infrastructure and rolling stock. New Zealand to a halt, devastating many businesses The commission proposes the complete electrification of Auckland to involved directly and indirectly with the sector. James Paul Wellington and to electrify Hamilton to Tauranga (ECMT) by 2026. looks at the solutions the Parliamentary Commissioner for These are not currently on KiwiRail’s workplan, but we are open to the Environment proposes to redesign the tourism industry. exploring all options. West Coast residents made a plea to the Government for From Hamilton to Tauranga would require electrifying approximately more support and a nearly $35 million wish list to keep 127 kilometres of single track of the East Coast Main Track line (and the communities afloat. Mission Bush branch). The biggest challenges in this section would be Nevertheless, the pandemic provided Parliamentary the supply of power from the grid, rather than the electrification of the Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton, the line, and the need to replace the current signalling system as it is not opportunity to implore decisionmakers to address some compatible with having electric traction. of the long-standing environmental and social issues Other elements which would need to be considered include the associated with New Zealand’s tourism industry. availability of electric rolling stock, which would need to be bought on In the report Not 100% – but four steps closer to the international market, and making the necessary improvements to sustainable tourism, Mr Upton says there is broad support depots to accommodate that rolling stock. for the idea that protecting tourism livelihoods in the A substantial part of the cost of electrification is civil works in the rail short-term should not morph into a slow but inexorable corridor and installing the foundations for the traction poles. This return to the status quo in the long-term. could be done by New Zealand firms that have a history in rail According to Statistics New Zealand’s International Travel construction. However, currently these are generally at capacity with and Migration, the number of visitors arriving by plane has other rail upgrade projects and the City Rail Link underway, so it could increased steadily from 1.6 to 3.8 million between 2000 and be difficult for this work to scale up without major offshore support. 2019. In the year ended March 2019, 98% of international Configuring and stringing the wires is specialist work. visitors arrived via plane. Completing the work by 2026 would be very ambitious but not The number of New Zealanders travelling overseas impossible. displayed similar growth, with annual departures increasing The commission has used a figure from 2016 of $2.5 million per from 1.2 million to 3.1 million between 2000 and 2019. kilometre. These estimates will need to be reviewed and reassessed Additionally, prior to the COVID-19 disruption, tourism- to reflect current costs, which may be as much as double that in some related international aviation emissions had grown parts of the network. In addition, there are other factors to consider persistently, increasing by 25% between 2010 and 2017. In such as the cost of improving clearances in tunnels. contrast, New Zealand’s gross emissions remained relatively Separately, the introduction of two new rail-capable ferries mid- static over the same period. decade will have a big impact on KiwiRail’s carbon footprint. From While the pressures of so many international tourists day one they will reduce the Interislander’s emissions by about 40%, arriving in New Zealand have subsided due to the collapse supporting our goal to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 in demand for air travel, the eventual recovery of key and to be carbon neutral by 2050. The prospect of true low/zero- international markets makes it likely that this respite will emissions propulsion systems for trains, and more particularly freight only be temporary, the report states. locomotives, is an exciting one that KiwiRail continues to monitor closely. The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) expects the industry’s recovery to return to pre-COVID-19 KiwiRail is committed to helping New Zealand meet its emission visitor levels by May 2024, in its 2020 New Zealand targets, and we continue to investigate the ways in which we can do International Tourism Recovery Roadmap (the Roadmap). this. New energy systems and improved technology will be part of our response. Cont. on page 16
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