Northport News

Issue 3 December 2008

Hi All – 2008 has raced by and as Xmas approaches at break neck speed it is time for a final catch up for the year. As years go the port has made some changes, additions and updates – hopefully all in the name of progress – and I am sure, as with all our customers out there, are holding our breath a little to see what the new year brings in light of the financial crunch affecting the wider international environment at the moment.

As a result of a falling NZ$ against the US$, and some huge drops in shipping freight rates, we have seen a very good last quarter of the year on the log export front although the prospects for the first quarter 2009 look reasonably bleak as all markets are seeing large current decreases in log prices. Enough of the doom and gloom as the Treasury and Reserve Bank tell us we are already coming out of  “Recession” – who are we to argue with the enlightened ones!!

Changes at the port in the last six months include security, access upgrades, new staff and the Port becoming MAF BNZ qualified for PIPS certification for wood product exports.

New Port Facilities Manager

In September Mark Bell, who had been with the port for 4 ½ years in a support role in the property area before taking over as Manager when Francis Patten left, notified his intention to move on to take up a lifestyle change on the West Coast near Dargaville. After an extensive search Northport employed Greg Blomfield, a local Whangarei lad who had previously worked at Marsden Point during the construction stage of the port while on holiday breaks from University. Greg has just returned from his OE after stints with consulting firms in Auckland.

New Security Turnstile Access for Port Users

 

In our previous edition we noted that a new turnstile gate for “foot access” to the port by operating company staff and Portacom users was in progress. This has now been completed and is operational. All port users with photo ID cards that have been authorised to use the gate can use the turnstile for access, although it will be locked down from the gatehouse after 7pm when there are no ships in port. At that point if users want access they can talk to gatehouse through the intercom from the gate and the gatehouse will release the over ride switch allowing access.

 

This addition has been a big step towards meeting our security requirements under the Maritime Security Act and taking some of the pressure off the main Gate as an entry point. I’m sure there may be a few teething issues but please bear with us as I’m sure it will prove a benefit going forward.

Northport Certified to carry out Processed Woodproducts Phytosanitary checks

 

In September 2008 new Biosecurity requirements for exporting processed Woodproducts to other countries came into being. Now most countries in the world (Korea being one of the exceptions) require Woodproducts to be checked and signed off on in country of origin prior to export. Upon request by one of our major processed woodproduct exporters Northport put in place procedures and trained staff to level required to carry out these phytosanitary checks. As of late November Northport is officially “PIPS” Certified (PIPS – shortened name for checks) and able to carry out these checks for any customers that require it.

 

Quality Marshalling have new Manager for their Operations at Northport

 

Quality Marshalling have recently employed a new Manager to run there Northport Operations. Mike Bartlett (an ex Northland lad) has extensive experience in the Forestry area with particular expertise around forest harvesting and logistics. Mike brings a wealth of experience with people and heavy machinery to the area and Northport looks forward to working with Mike and team into the New Year.

 

Finally and most importantly, Jon and the staff at Northport would like wish all Port Users and their staff and families a very Merry and Safe Xmas and New Year and we look forward to seeing you all refreshed and rearing to go in the New Year. 

 

 

 

Merry Xmas& A Happy New YearFrom Northport