WISTA Event Wednesday 1 November

We have received the following notification from WISTA.  http://www.wista.net/nz

Wista New Zealand is launching a Mentoring Programme. We are delighted to help women develop professionally within our industry. Attend this event if you love your career and want to grow with it.

In this coming WISTA event, we are very fortunate to have Lena Gray join us to share and propel us forward with a powerful presentation on WOW (Women Optimising Women) that showcases the inaugural WISTA NZ Mentoring Program/Framework.  

Lena is a passionate executive coach and trainer with over 15 years of experience. She is a highly sought after human performance, leadership and transformational coach, and speaker nationally and internationally.

Her expert use of Neuro-Semantics, Neuro Synergy, and NLP coupled with her easy going personality enables her to instantly connect and reshape the meanings we hold in our life, which either hold us back or propel us powerfully into the future.

We look forward to seeing you there! Registration is essential. Please see the information box below.

Please come and join us for this exciting and rare opportunity for you to learn how to unleash the potential in you from this  international industry expert. This is an evening not to be missed.

As usual, there will be time for networking before and after the presentation. Nibbles and drinks will be provided.   Remember, if you wish to bring a (male or female) colleague or customer, or an aspiring new member, you are very welcome to do so. See the information box for the fee that will apply.

DATE AND TIME
Wednesday 1 November 2017
Doors open at 5.30pm
Presentation starts at 6pm

VENUE
Orams Marine Village
142 – 160 Beaumont Street
Westhaven Auckland

 

COST
For Members, registration is free.
For non-members, the registration fee is $40 to be paid to WISTA NZ INC, ASB A/C 12-3216-0084913-00 mentioning “Event 1 November”.

RSVP
Registration is essential. Please rsvp by 25 October to elizabethb@cargoconcepts.co.nz

 

Our mailing address is:                                                 
Secretary WISTA NZ
c/o INTENT Group Ltd
PO Box 331523 Takapuna 0740
president.wista@lojo.co.nz

Committee:
Barbara Versfelt – President;  Helen Murray – Vice president; Kerri-Anne Tenkate – Secretary; Elizabeth Bentley – Treasurer; Yoyo Chu – Member

 

 

 

Railway from Picton to Christchurch closes again after wet start to October

KIWIRAIL
A wet start to October has caused slips to come down on the Main North Line, which is expected to remain closed until the end of the month.

The newly rebuilt railway line from Picton to Christchurch could be closed for the rest of the month after recent rain brought slips down across the tracks.

Hundreds of spectators turned up to watch the first freight train since the November earthquake take the Main North Line on September 15.

The celebration was short lived. Heavy rain closed the track after the one train went through. It reopened 10 days later, but has closed again.

Hundreds turned up to watch the first freight train since the November earthquake take to the track on September 15. The ...

KIWIRAIL

 

KiwiRail blamed the latest closure on an unusually wet start to October for the Kaikōura region.

Acting chief executive David Gordon said the “unusually heavy rainfall” caused 31 slips in the area, including three major slips onto the railway line and next to State Highway 1.

He said KiwiRail was working to “make repairs and add resilience” ahead of the peak freight period.

“At this stage we expect services to operate on the line again at the end of this month.”

KiwiRail ran two freight trains each weeknight on the line, leaving it clear during the day and over the weekend for additional repairs to the track and SH1.

Gordon said some disruption was always possible with the limited reopening, but the rain created “much greater disruption than we could reasonably predict”.

He said KiwiRail regretted the impact on customers – and that they could not take some of the freight burden away from the Lewis Pass, which is on the alternative highway route while SH1 is repaired.

KiwiRail previously claimed the Main North Line reopening would take 2000 trucks a month of the road, a figure some in the industry disputed.

At the last closure, general group manager network services Todd Moyle said the Main North Line was likely to shut up to 25 days a year, based on its current state.

MetService forecaster Cameron Coutts said Kaikōura had received 84 millimetres of rain so far in October, which was “well above” the month’s average of 57mm.

He said it should be dry and relatively warm before showers returned on Monday and Tuesday. A “settled spell” was expected for the latter half of next week.

“In saying that, we’re still in spring, so it’s still pretty changeable,” Coutts said.

 – Stuff

CentrePort to invest $63m in strengthening waterfront land after quake

Work at CentrePort to stabilise the container cranes, with a bespoke platform within the wharf.

MAARTEN HOLL/STUFF
Work at CentrePort to stabilise the container cranes, with a bespoke platform within the wharf.

CentrePort has set aside $63 million to strengthen its land on Wellington’s waterfront after November’s 7.8 magnitude quake caused significant damage.

The ratepayer-owned company is now consulting international experts to help figure out what the work will be.

To date, CentrePort has spent $28m securing 125 metres of the 585-metre wharf, which included 644 gravel columns being set in the ground to reduce any liquefaction from future earthquakes and provide resilience to the temporary works.

Chief executive Derek Nind​ said they were now looking to how to do that across the entire port.

“We try not to talk about rebuild, we talk about regeneration. And what do I mean by that?

CentrePort chief executive Derek Nind.

SUPPLIED
CentrePort chief executive Derek Nind.

“What I mean is if we go to rebuild, we’ll get what we had, which was 20th century assets and 20th century thinking,” Nind said.

“What we need is 21st century assets for the next 50 to 100 years, and we need to regenerate the port.”

To date, CentrePort has received $173.7m of insurance income, but that figure was expected to rise.

On Tuesday, insurers agreed Statistics House should be demolished, as the Kaikōura earthquake caused the partial ...

ROSS GILBIN/STUFF
On Tuesday, insurers agreed Statistics House should be demolished, as the Kaikōura earthquake caused the partial collapse of two floors.

“We got hit, but we’ve been working hard on getting the business back up and running,” Nind said.

On Tuesday, insurers agreed Statistics House should be demolished, as the Kaikōura earthquake caused the partial collapse of two floors.

Meanwhile, the future of BNZ Harbour Quays remains uncertain, as engineers continue with assessments.

CentrePort’s underlying profit, after tax and before earthquake-related income, was $8.6m for the year ending June 2017. This was down $4.7m from the previous year.

“The results show us investing in the port’s resilience. They also show strong underlying performance.”

 – Stuff

WISTA International elects new President and Secretary

in International Shipping News 05/10/2017

Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) elected Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, CEO of TOTOTHEO Maritime, as International President and Diane Edwards, General Manager People, Systems and Technology Ports of Auckland as International Secretary at their 37th International Annual General Meeting in Rotterdam, The Netherlands on October 4, 2017.

Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou is the CEO of TOTOTHEO Maritime, a leading maritime technology and satellite communications enablement business. She has served on the Executive Committee of WISTA International as Secretary for the last two years and is the founding President of WISTA Cyprus. Panayiotou Theodosiou is on the board of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber. She is taking over the position from Karin Orsel, CEO of MF Shipping Group, who has held this role for the last six years.

“It is an honour to take over the role of President of WISTA, supporting and serving an association whose potential I believe in and support. WISTA has an important role in the shipping industry and it is one we should embrace, remaining true to the values and identity that make us what we are. I take over this role from Karin Orsel who has achieved much in her tenure, both in growing our association and giving it a stronger sense of value” said Panayiotou Theodosiou.

WISTA Int’l Executive Committee

Diane Edwards is the General Manager People, Systems and Technology at the Ports of Auckland Limited. Working with the port since 2011 following a consultancy roll at the New Zealand Ministry of Transport and roles with P&O Nedlloyd and Maersk New Zealand, Diane has had an eclectic career which includes teaching, banking, accounting, IT, training change management and human resources. In her six years with Ports of Auckland Limited she has helped revitalize the port through technological innovation and coalition building with the port workers.

WISTA International is the leading network of decision making women in shipping and trading around the world. WISTA International is guided by the Executive Committee: Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, President, WISTA Cyprus; Diane Edwards, Secretary, WISTA New Zealand; Rachel Lawton, Treasurer, WISTA UK; Jeannie Grasso, Member, WISTA USA; Sangam Gupta, Member, WISTA India;Katerina Stathopoulou, Member, WISTA Hellas; Naa Densua Aryeetey, Member, WISTA Ghana.

Representing nearly 3,000 members in 40 countries around the world, WISTA promotes increased competency, knowledge and development for women in the maritime industry. WISTA International members work in all sectors of the maritime industry, including finance, ship building, seafarers, governing and regulatory bodies, brokers and more. The International body meets annually to vote on protocols, guidelines and strategic direction. 32 Countries were represented at the 2017 International Annual Meeting. More than 280 individuals attended the parallel conference on Future-Proof Maritime Solutions.
Source: WISTA

Cubic resumes inter-island rail service

We have good news and bad news about the resumption of limited rail services.

Cubic has access to a limited number of container slots on one of the two daily trains each way between Picton and Christchurch.  These slots are very expensive in the post-earthquake freight environment, due to scarcity and the need for KiwiRail to recover costs.

Slots on these services are available on a “take or pay” basis.  Meaning a confirmed booking is charged for whether or not the container is presented prior to cut off.

A wait list system is operating but there is no discount or other latitude with wait-listed bookings.

If you want rates for inter-island rail services please email sales@cubic.co.nz

For an update on Kaikoura earthquake recovery click here to download NZTA’s latest bulletin.

 

Port Taranaki 60 per cent dividend increase projected after ‘challenging’ year

Port Taranaki ceo Guy Roper forecasted stable future after challenging year.

Port Taranaki ceo Guy Roper forecasted stable future after challenging year.

Despite a $3 million drop in revenue in the past 12 months Port Taranaki remains optimistic about its prospects in the coming year.

Profits dropped 6.5 per cent in the 2016-2017 financial year and total trade dipped by 1.4 per cent resulting in a $3 million loss in revenue, from $44.7m to $41.7m, it was reported at the annual general meeting.

Reduced shipping activity, lower oil commodity prices and a fall in the stock feed market all contributed to the lower revenue and profit, Port Taranaki Ltd ceo Guy Roper said.

Increase in log exports from Port Taranaki will help shareholder returns

Increase in log exports from Port Taranaki will help shareholder returns

However, a record year for log revenue – which was up almost 30 per cent on the year before – is expected to continue and would boost the dividend paid to sole share holder the Taranaki Regional Council, Roper said.

Dividends were expected to grow by more than 60 per cent, from  $4.9 million to $8m, in the next financial year and would help offset regional rates.

Cruise ships and logs vital for Port Taranaki

Cruise ships and logs vital for Port Taranaki

Roper said the past financial year had been “challenging” for the company.

The number of ships arriving at the port dropped 10 per cent due to the international trend of larger vessels exchanging bigger parcels of cargo, which meant fewer visits, while lower LPG production also meant less ships arrived in port.

As well, the stock feed market dropped and customers reduced costs by sharing cargo space.

But the outlook for the new financial year was stable and revenue, profit and cargo volumes were forecast to be in line with the 2016-2017 results across all sectors, he said.

Under an agreement with BP New Zealand, to start in October, larger amounts of petrol and diesel could now be shipped in, stored and distributed throughout the region to reduce costs, he said.

The oil and gas industry remained Port Taranaki’s largest sector, and the ongoing challenging oil commodity price environment impacted on port business, Roper said.

Methanol volumes were strong during the year while crude, condensate and LPG volumes were weak. However, there were positive signs for future offshore exploration, he said.

Roper said log volumes were projected to lift in the coming year after another record 12 months, which saw a 36 per cent increase in industry standard log tonnage through the port and a 29 per cent increase in log revenue.

A combination of favourable market conditions, low inventory levels in China, and large numbers of harvest-ready trees in the port’s catchment area saw 460,000 JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard) logs exported. JAS is an industry standard measurement approximately equal to 1 tonne.

The port company planned to stack logs higher and look at developing more land to accommodate growth, Roper said.

“We are also examining means to extend our forestry catchment area and service the growing demand by developing a combined road-rail transport mode for logs.

“With rail facilities direct to the Blyde Wharf we are exploring ways to make this practical and economically viable.”

The company would remain flexible and adaptable with a focus on making a return on shareholder’s funds to make a real difference to the Taranaki economy, Roper said.

“To achieve this in the current climate, we need to carefully review our costs across the business and this is something we will be assessing in the coming months.”

The forecasted lift in the milk price, to more than $6 kilogram/milksolids, would help boost dry bulk trade and the local economy.

Outgoing chairman John Auld​ said the dividend increase reflected the company’s view on the retention of capital versus returning capital to the shareholder.

Port Taranaki was vital to the Taranaki economy, he said.

​”This includes providing an appropriate return on our shareholder’s investment for the betterment of the Taranaki community.”

 

Port Taranaki financial results 2016-2017:

Revenue down 6.7 per cent, or $3m ($44.7m to $41.7m)

Net profit before tax down 6.5 per cent to $11.5m

Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) down 3.3 per cent, or $0.6m ($19.6 million to $19.0 million)

Operating costs down 6.5 per cent ($29m)

Total trade down 1.4 per cent (5.2m/t to 5.08m/t).

Exports up 1 per cent.

Imports down 15 per cent.

Dairy dry bulk volume 17 per cent down, down 25 per cent revenue.

Oil and gas bulk liquids down 2 per cent .

Exploration related work down 38 per cent

 – Taranaki Daily News

Five-year wait for road too long: NZTA boss

Five years is far too long to wait for a new alternative route through the Manawatu Gorge, Ross I’Anson of the New Zealand Transport Agency told a meeting in Woodville.

About 300 people turned out for Tuesday night’s meeting to have their say on the 13 proposed options and Mr I’Anson, NZTA regional transport manager, said he wanted a three to four year time frame for the road.

“We are committed to building this in the quickest time possible,” he said.

“There are absolutely no winners at the moment and we are at the point now where we don’t have a road and we have to put something in place quickly.

Ross I'Anson, regional transport manager for the New Zealand Transport Agency answering questions in Woodville on Tuesday night.

Ross I’Anson, regional transport manager for the New Zealand Transport Agency answering questions in Woodville on Tuesday night.

“The process so far has taken just three months, normally it would take 18 months.”

Mr I’Anson also reassured people money wasn’t an issue.

“We’ve had the election and the money is still there,” he said.

“We want value for money, not the cheapest option, but the best option for economic development.

“We’re scrambling to get this done and we will have a short list of three to five preferred options ready for public open days on October 11 and 12 and plan to have the best-performing option by mid-December.”

Ashhurst residents Elizabeth, left in pink, and David Thompson were shocked to learn one of the gorge optional routes would go through their home of nine years. Photo / Christine McKay

Ashhurst residents Elizabeth, left in pink, and David Thompson were shocked to learn one of the gorge optional routes would go through their home of nine years. Photo / Christine McKay

However, at this stage Mr I’Anson said NZTA didn’t have pricing for any of the options.

When asked by the Dannevirke News if all people affected by the 13 options had been consulted, Mr I’Anson said his team had made phone calls, door-knocked or letter dropped to all owners on the property register.

However, before the meeting, Ashhurst resident Elizabeth Thompson said she and husband David were stunned to be told by neighbours on Tuesday that one option would go through their property – their home of nine years.

“It’s going to get hot in here in a moment in more ways than one,” she said.

The couple live in Wyndham St in Ashhurst and the first they knew of the option through their property was at lunchtime on Tuesday.

“At 1.30pm on Tuesday, a neighbour came to me and said my house is going to disappear, there were six or seven of us in our street who hadn’t been notified by NZTA,” Mr Thompson said.

Mr I’Anson agreed that was poor.

Woodville’s Murray Kirk, who lives on Old Gorge Rd, also told the Dannevirke News NZTA staff visited him and handed over a letter at 2pm on Tuesday.

“I was given the name of a communications person in NZTA and told to come to this meeting tonight,” he said.

As the business-case team, which includes Tararua District deputy mayor Allan Benbow, begin analysing the 13 options, Mr I’Anson said working at the fastest possible pace the team would come up with design, consenting and construction options for the preferred new route early next year.

With many people in the audience suggesting they wanted the short tunnel option first proposed by Mr Benbow, Mr I’Anson said the NZTA would need to work out where that tunnel would start and end.

“There are still slips at Barney’s Point and we need a resilient road,” he said.

Manawatu Gorge replacement

• 7500 vehicles used the gorge daily, with traffic growing, until it closed in April. Some 13 per cent were heavy vehicles.
• Four of the 13 options traverse the Ruahine Ranges, four cross the Tararua Ranges, two go through the existing gorge, there is also a viaduct and two tunnel options.
• Route distances range from 6km to 19km.
• Most options will require a bridge.
• Northern options have a gradient of between 6 and 7 per cent, and for southern options 8 per cent.
• Currently all options over the ranges will go through a windfarm.
• The NZTA is trying to develop an option which will bypass windfarms.

Police chase cash and property from Auckland Transport corruption case

Police are moving to seize property, cars and cash worth $8.6 million from a couple associated with corruption at Auckland Transport.

Stephen Borlase, a former director of Projenz, which undertook contract work for Auckland Transport, was jailed earlier this year, along with Murray John Noone, a former director of transportation at the Rodney District Council and later an AT employee.

Auckland Transport later revealed six other staff left their jobs after investigations into the corruption began.

Police have not named who they are targeting, but said they launched civil proceedings under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act and were looking for restraining orders against a 53-year-old man and his wife “for his criminal activities relating to bribery and corruption.”

Court records show that Borlase is due to appear in the Auckland High Court on the same day the civil proceedings are scheduled to come before the court: October 11.

Police are chasing property including real estate in Mt Eden, a commercial property and a beach house in the Coromandel, motor vehicles including a 2015 Mercedes, Jeep Cherokee and a classic Ford Fairlane and cash in bank accounts.

Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Allan said police investigated and aimed to remove unlawful benefits from those who engage in significant criminal activity.

“This investigation is another great example of the joint Government approach in relation to proceeds of crime with the New Zealand Police, Serious Fraud Office and Auckland Transport working closely together.

“It also highlights how effective the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act can be applied not only to drugs, cash and firearms instances, but top end financial crime that also negatively impacts on our community and New Zealand’s financial reputation.”

It follows a successful Serious Fraud Office prosecution of several people associated with AT – the country’s largest bribery case.

The Serious Fraud Office warned at the time the case had not been completely closed and corruption required a toxic culture to grow.

Borlase and Noone stood trial over eight weeks last year, after pleading not guilty to bribery and corruption charges brought against them by the Serious Fraud Office.

Borlase was found guilty of eight charges of corruption or bribery of an official but not guilty of four charges of obtaining a document for pecuniary advantage.

Noone was found guilty of six charges of corruption or bribery of an official.

The offending took place between 2006 and 2013 relating to roading project consultation contracts Projenz carried out for RDC and AT.

At their sentencing in February, Crown prosecutor Brian Dickey said the offending was on the upper end of the scale and had affected a large number of people.

It had also possibly affected New Zealand’s international reputation as a relatively corruption-free country.

“This type of offending isn’t shoplifting … it’s offending that goes to the heart of New Zealand’s public service and New Zealand’s international reputation,” Dickey said.