March 2020 Vol 40 No. 1 Published by South Port NZ Ltd

INSIDE Changing Gears 2020 Scholarship Recipients SOUTH PORT’S PEOPLE Bluff Focus On: Cruise Ships Sporting Moments Changing Gears It has been a turbulent time worldwide Policy. The Port is working hard to post-31 December when China notified improve our communication channels the World Health Organisation of several with the community. Part of this Policy is cases of unusual pneumonia in the city of also to run a Port Open Day and allow Wuhan. These cases were eventually the public onto the Port to look at our diagnosed as being caused by a virus we operations. On 15 March the first Port now know as Covid-19 pandemic. Open Day for 30+ years was run and Vale The safety and wellbeing of our was a huge success. Personally, I was employees is of the upmost importance very proud of the effort that our staff and CAPTAIN LENNOX (LEN) MOUNSEY for the Board and Leadership Team organising committee put into the day during this pandemic. Measures have and this shone through with the positive been put in place to increase the hygiene reactions displayed by our visitors v standards, physical distancing, creating (further detail and images will be provided teams to separate staff, sending staff in the July edition of the Portsider). home that can operate from a remote Dave Edge location and many more in line with the The New Zealand maritime community of Captain Bird. Becoming Harbourmaster did not Ministry of Health guidelines. Captain Dave Edge was a pilot at the will be saddened to learn that preclude carrying out pilotage duties and on Port for 30+ years until his retirement in long-serving Bluff Pilot and 20 January 1984 Len conducted his At the point of writing this column the 2013. In 2017 due to a shortage of Harbourmaster Len Mounsey 2,000th pilotage, at that time a record for country is operating at Alert Level 4 with pilotage resources Dave came back to has died. no certainty as to how long we will be at support the Company and pilot vessel the Port. He also held a coastal pilot’s Len was a ‘Geordie’ born in this status. movements until our recently recruited licence covering Fiordland and ► Chief Executive, Nigel Gear Newcastle upon Tyne in November pilots reach unlimited classification. This Stewart Island long before these What we do know however is that ports 1932 and undertook his pre-sea occurred recently with Captain Paul are deemed essential businesses. The training at H.M.S. Conway, one became the Mecca for cruise James obtaining his unlimited licence. continued movement of essential goods important part of the team that supplies of Britain’s most prestigious ships they are today. In addition This meant the last ship Captain Dave across our wharves is necessary for the articles for the Portsider, so he is not training schools, being to the few cruise ships that Edge piloted in Bluff was the cruise ship entirely lost! wellbeing of our communities. Trade has awarded an ‘Extra’ Leaving Bremen on 3 March 2020 and thirty visited Fiordland in those days always been an important part of our In signing off please be kind and Certificate upon completion. years earlier she was also the first cruise Len piloted ships up to Deep economy however as we work our way considerate of each other during this In 1950 he joined the equally ship he piloted under her original name Cove at the head of Doubtful out of this pandemic it will take on greater time of uncertainty and hopefully when prestigious Shaw Savill and Frontier Spirit, (although not the first ship significance to help the country get “back we publish the next Portsider we can Albion Line as an apprentice. Sound through which most of on its feet again”. piloted of course). The Company would comment on a rosier outlook for the In 1952 Len made his first the heavy equipment and oil like to thank Dave for his hard work, Community Engagement country. visit to Bluff aboard the products for the Manapouri superb work ethic, humour and loyalty Akaroa, never imagining that Nigel Gear Power Scheme were imported. In the past six months South Port has that he has shown over this time. Dave this was the port in which he Under Len’s watch many rolled out our Community Engagement will be missed however still forms an was to spend the majority of his working life. Having improvements were made to the obtained his Master Foreign- Port, perhaps the most important Going Certificate in 1959 Len from a pilot’s viewpoint being the continued with Shaw Savill, a change in the navigation beacons, career highlight being his which eventually became solar appointment as Chief Officer to the powered, and the replacement of the Dominion Monarch, the largest South Port NZ passenger-cargo ship ever built for the elderly steam tug with two modern Voith New Zealand trade and a ship to which tractor tugs. only the most highly regarded officers were Away from work Len was a leading figure at sent. In 1965 Len applied for the position the Bluff Golf Club, enjoyed yachting on of Tugmaster with the Southland Harbour the Harbour, the company of his friends Board, an application which was Late Bluff Harbourmaster successful and in 1966 Len, his wife Len Mounsey and the splendid view from his home Angela and their four children, settled in overlooking the Port. Bluff. On 31 December 1990 Len retired after After a year as Tugmaster Len was promoted to junior Pilot and 24 years of service to the Port. He and Angela then moved to on 1 August 1968 to full Pilot. As a Pilot Len was without peer, Pleasant Point, near Timaru, but recently returned south to be his superb ship-handling ability prompting one ship’s master to nearer their children. Len passed away peacefully on 27 January ► The new Hyster reach stacker being officially handed over at the Port. ► COVER: A sample of the scenery that brings write to the Board commending the ‘exceptional skill’ of the Pilot cruise ships to New Zealand; the Lady 2020, aged 87. Bowen Falls near the head of Milford Sound who had handled his ship. with the doyen of local tourist vessels, the After a brief period as Deputy Harbourmaster Len was appointed To Angela and family from all of us at South Port, our sincerest Milford Haven in the foreground. Harbourmaster at Bluff on 1 August 1968 upon the retirement condolences on your sad loss. New Reach Stacker The Bluff Portsider is compiled by The Company recently purchased a new Hyster reach stacker as a replacement for an South Port NZ Ltd. PO Box 1, Bluff 9842. Phone: (03) 212 8159. Fax: (03) 212 8685 aging machine used at the Port. As with any heavy machinery it is important to maintain Email: [email protected] a modern, reliable and efficient fleet given the growth the Company has seen over the Website: www.southport.co.nz v past five years in the container trade. Chief Executive: Mr N Gear Contributors: Capt. D A Edge and J May The reach stacker provides additional operating flexibility in the terminal allowing Edited by: K Hoyle containers to be retrieved two-deep in a stack and also rotate containers 180 degrees Production by: Craigs Design and Print Ltd when required. 02 03 BLUFF FOCUS ON CRUISE SHIPS

The Golden Princess clearing Normans Island, Dusky Sound. ► Among the swells off Milford Sound is the Majestic Princess.

► Southern stalwarts, Heritage Expeditions’ Professor Khromov (foreground) and Akademik Shokalskiy storing ship in Bluff ready for another voyage.

The cruise season currently drawing to into Milford Sound by air making life its conclusion has been one like no other difficult for tourist operators there at as far as the Fiordland transit has been what is normally their busiest time of concerned. We are all used to a little year. When it is raining in Fiordland rain in Fiordland from time to time, in fact tourists are usually consoled by the we are all used to quite a lot of rain fairly thought that ‘the waterfalls will be frequently in Fiordland, after all it is one magnificent’ but this time the Gods of the wettest places on the planet, but rather overdid it. One consequence of the deluge that struck the area in early Milford being closed to cruise ships was February was unprecedented. Over a an unscheduled visit to Stewart Island ► Genting Group’s Explorer Dream of Dream Cruises. ► Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel showing off her artwork in the Acheron Passage. metre of rain, around six week’s worth of by the Noordam, becoming, we believe, ‘normal’ rainfall, fell in less than three the biggest ship to have called there. days. Widespread flooding and Other than the enforced downtime in landslides occurred and so much debris Milford it was another busy cruise was carried down the Cleddau and season with 131 transits scheduled. Arthur Rivers that navigation in Milford Most were by companies well Sound became hazardous due to trees, established in New Zealand cruising but logs and other detritus. So dangerous a notable newcomer was Dream Cruises did it become that the Regional Harbour with the Explorer Dream and Ocean Master closed Milford Sound to Dream both visiting. This company is navigation for several days. This part of the Genting group, owner of effectively closed Fiordland to cruise Norwegian Cruise Line and other brands ships as there was no way for pilots to that have been regular visitors for many embark or disembark, except for one years but Dream Cruises caters more to enterprising South Port pilot who Asian requirements than Gentings other managed to thumb a lift home from brands. Also back in New Zealand Doubtful Sound. waters was the small Australian cruise With the Milford Road closed by slips, ship Coral Discoverer, once a regular when the Sound reopened for navigation visitor under her previous name Oceanic ► One of our smaller visitors was the Coral ► After boarding her South Port pilot in Foveaux Strait the Noordam Discoverer with Anchor Island beyond. tourists who were not fortunate enough Discoverer. heads for Stewart Island. (Photo:- Josh Nielsen, Master, Takitimu). to be aboard a cruise ship could only get 04 05 SOUTH PORT SOUTH PORT’S PEOPLE SCHOLARSHIP ► Nicolette RECIPIENTS 2020 Bottger Nicolette Bottger Nicolette has been appointed as the Management Nicky is keen to get the family - husband Gary, an ► 2020 Scholarship Recipients - Corbyn Williamson (left) and Tremaine Mako Accountant and has joined the Finance Team. illustrator, animator and caricature artist, and We would like to congratulate this year’s (right) receiving their scholarships from South Port Director Clare Kearney and Chairman Rex Chapman. Nicky was born and raised in Johannesburg, children Luke, 11 and Abigail, 9 – settled and to successful scholarship recipients: South Africa and holds a Bachelor of Commerce make new friends in the deep south! Nicky likes - Financial Management from the University of all kinds of sports and has been impressed by South Africa. Her most recent role was as a our sports facilities such as Stadium Southland. COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP STAFF SCHOLARSHIP Financial Manager with SS Telecoms South As a family, they enjoy the outdoors and are Africa, which provides telephony products and looking forward to exploring the walking tracks solutions in South Africa and the Sub-Saharan around Bluff. Tremaine Mako Corbyn Williamson region. Tremaine will be a third year Medical Student at University of Corbyn graduated from Southland Boys’ High School in 2019 Otago in 2020 and is working towards a Bachelor’s degree in and will be commencing training as an Apprentice Electrician ► John ► Elgreene Dobbie Leviste Medicine and Surgery. His goal is to become a Doctor and with the Electrical Training Company (ETCO) working towards owning his own practice providing a holistic styled approach to a New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering. Corbyn Karl Frahm treating and supporting patients in Aotearoa through their is looking forward to being hosted by Bluff Electrical so we everyday lives. will see him accompany them at the Port over the duration of Karl has been employed as a Marine Operator. Karl lives in Bluff and is looking forward to John Dobbie Elgreene Leviste his apprenticeship. Corbyn is the son of South Port Executive Collectively the group or Marine Operators he is working closer to home. He and his wife Roxanne Tremaine is an extremely active sportsperson both participating Assistant, Kirsten Hoyle. John has been with South Port since the 2016-2017 season in Elgreene has worked as part of the Port’s Cold Storage team and coaching in sports including rugby, basketball, swimming, joining are responsible for co-ordinating lines have a son Luka, 11 and daughter Ngaio, 8. His a fixed term position where he started on the night shift at since last season and has proven himself a safe pair of hands. interests include bush walks and cycle touring as sailing, volleyball, boxing and athletics. Culture plays an Corbyn is a dedicated sportsperson and fitness is a key part of calling operations, berth preparation, providing Foreshore Road. Now permanent, he has been a great asset His primary role is to work on the day shift and also assist with a family. He is also a Volunteer Ambulance important role in Tremaine’s life, on many occasions mentoring his life regularly attending the gym and cross-fit classes. He is to the South Port Cold Storage team. During the season he is night shift start-up as necessary at the peak of the season. fresh water, garbage and other shore-based Officer at Bluff and holds a Pre-Hospital Maori students in High School and at University (peer mentoring a member of the Oreti Surf Life Saving Club as a trained a leading hand (night) and a great role model/support to those Greene is also supporting our new fixed term and casual lifeguard on rostered patrols at Oreti Beach. Youth sport is services, supporting syncrolift operations and Emergency Care Certificate, which is a St John working on our night shift. operators through their induction and on-job training. and Ka rikarika O tane). He seeks to pass down his knowledge ► Karl Frahm another passion with Corbyn involving himself with touch rugby, providing back up for the tug crew. Ambulance Level 3 First Aid qualification. and experience about life and learning in order to benefit and miniball, Bluff Swim Club and Oreti Surf Life Saving coaching. support the younger generation coming through. Corbyn’s sporting and cultural participation was evident at During his tenure at Southland Boys’ High School (graduated school being Deputy House Captain in 2019 and recently 2016) he was a Prefect, Deputy Head Boy, Deputy House completing a sports coaching programme. He was an active James Jay Captain and Peer Tutor/Mentor which are convincing examples member of the SBHS ‘Tuakana Teina’ (Big Brother) programme 40 YEARS AND STILL of his leadership ability. which further highlights his level of integrity. James has been employed as a Dairy to him being back home after four years The attributes referred to in his letter of recommendation were In his letter of recommendation Corbyn was described as Warehousing Operator. James has work commuting to Christchurch and Auckland for GOING STRONG! that he had a superb work ethic, is industrious, motivated and ambitious, independent, sensible, down to earth and of good experience across a range of industries. His work. early career was with the Southland Times as a a serious thinker; modest and self-effacing with impeccable character and commitment. These will be great assets as he James loves watching sports, with rugby and pre-press technician; he has also worked as a manners, conducts himself well and is trustworthy, reliable and sets out on the next chapter of his life journey. cricket being favourites. He enjoys diving and storeman for Harvey Norman and as a freezing fishing, and whilst living in Christchurch he Blair Cousins honest. Tremaine is already modelling the traits to support him We wish both Corbyn and Tremaine all the best for their worker for the Alliance Group. James is a learned to surf at Brighton Beach. A lot of things have changed over the past 40 years, but in his future career. academic success. ► James Jay “Bluffy”, he and his wife Sue are looking forward there is one person who has remained incredibly loyal to the Port’s operations – that is Docking Master, Blair Cousins. Last year Blair chalked up the impressive milestone of 40 years’ service at the Port; after some gentle encouragement UNIVERSAL STUDIOS Lara Hourston Boysie Karetai to have his photograph taken and provide a few words, the ► Blair Cousins (left) receiving a congratulatory hand shake from Chief Executive, Nigel Gear. Lara initially came on board for a fixed Boysie will be well-known to many of our Portsider sat down with Blair to speak about his tenure at HOLLYWOOD! the Island Harbour. term until the end of the 2019-2020 staff, having worked in the Cold Stores project. He then transferred into a Port Services Engineer Maybe not Hollywood, but Universal Studios, Bluff - for a day season in the Dairy Warehousing area. for five years before a brief stint off port in As you could expect, the memories of the early days are a position where he was responsible for the supervision of anyway! Every year the Port gets a number of requests for She has now been appointed in a 2017. Boysie is re-joining the Dairy bit vague but Blair vividly recalls the process of getting the contractors completing capital works, maintenance and filming and photography onsite as it is such a dynamic permanent position. As a qualified Warehousing team as a permanent job and the number of kilometres he drove to secure his repairs. After a number of years in this position he recently accountant, Lara will also be able to workplace to be involved with and this one was no different. operator after working for the past year first Harbour Board position of ‘draughting and supervision’. transferred to the Syncrolift operation where he is now the support key monthly accounting Docking Master. In late November a well-respected vehicle manufacturer as a fixed termer assisting with our dairy At the time he was living in Nelson and visited Bluff for a functions, including invoicing and engaged a Queenstown based film producer to identify and import operations. During that time, family holiday and noticed a job at the Port. He applied, When asked who some of the more positive influencers reporting. All of this will help her gain photograph in a number of locations in the South Island that drove back to Nelson at the completion of the holiday and experience and develop her skills within Boysie has approached his work with a were on his career he was quick to acknowledge his former would demonstrate how their brand would handle the rugged before the car engine had time to cool down was heading Managers, Russell Slaughter and Bruce Hancock. “Brent conditions of New Zealand. Even though the photography was the business. renewed enthusiasm and energy and the back to Bluff in the same car for an interview before being (Dimond) and Glen (Hourston) also have been extremely completed in summer, the inclement conditions are exactly rest of the team are pleased to have him Outside of work, Lara is interested in offered the job. helpful when we were working on asphalt repairs in the what the doctor ordered! sports (she is the holder of a black belt in back on board. container terminal”. Editor; Note the vehicle in the photo pictured was not the brand karate), reading, music, running and Upon arriving, stage 2 of the Island Harbour development engaged, it was acting as a stand in as the material is still to be enjoying quality time with her family and was underway. This kept five of the team in Blair’s area Thank you Blair for your service; we look forward to celebrating ► Lara Hourston and Boysie Karetai produced and released into the public domain. ► It wasn’t summer in November, but exactly the weather the producers demanded. friends. busy in the early 80’s working through this significant the half century with you in less than ten years’ time! 06 07 08 Raa Sikisini - Kicking the Habit

South Port recently invited staff who work, my stress levels rose, and I slowly smoked and wanted to quit the habit an got back into my bad habit of joining the opportunity to participate in a 12 week boys for a smoke break. stop smoking programme facilitated by I kept trying to give up but could never Nga Kete. Cold Store Leading Hand, Raa quite kick the habit. When I heard South Sikisini was happy to share his journey Port had contacted Nga Kete regarding with the Portsider. the cessation programme and was asking “I started smoking when I first heard I was for participants, I put my hand up as I ► Raa Sikisini flanked by smoking cessation team going to be a young father. I was 14 years wanted to join a group, who like me would members Barbara Metzger and Joanne Te Tai. old and it really freaked me out. I started have struggles and could share our stories smoking one or two cigarettes a day which and support each other. and after 12 weeks received congratulatory grew into a packet a day pretty quickly. I went to my first session and there were vouchers for remaining smokefree. Now After the birth of my most recent child I four of us in total; we all had different that I have completed the 12-week stayed home on parental leave and stories and reasons for cutting back or programme, I can contact Nga Kete for managed to quit smoking for the health of giving up. By week 5 I was the only one support or if I need more product. My my child. I stayed smoke-free for five left. Two were vaping so didn’t need longterm goal is to remain smokefree and months but when my parental leave period further help and one participant realised it have a healthier lifestyle and more money was nearly up, I started to feel anxious wasn’t the right time for him. Through the in my pocket for my family.” (Article supplied knowing I was required to return to work support of South Port together with by Raa Sikisini). and be away from my child. I bought a Barbara and Jo from Nga Kete, I was able On behalf of the Portsider and the wider packet of smokes to have one or two to to stay on track, I used gum as my only South Port team well done Raa for kicking settle my nerves but after being back at source of nicotine to reduce my cravings the habit and becoming smokefree. SPORTING MOMENTS

► Marvin Ihaia and Justin Dimond proudly displaying Mayall Cup the Mayall Cup. “Finally” was the word that exited the Marvin Ihaia who were representing Bain mouths of the 2020 Mayall Cup winners Shipping. Speaking to the Portsider after held at the Bluff Golf Course this year. receiving the trophy Justin said, “After so In what could only be described as many years taking part and a number of “challenging” conditions, scorecards seconds and thirds it is great to finally have looked more like a cricket score book, a our names engraved on the Mayall Cup”. select few managed to navigate their way Regular South Port bridesmaids Gareth around the course producing some Carson and Scott Faithfull finished an spectacular scores. impressive second with Sherman Fittingly it was a maiden victory for regular Weatherall and Kerry Hodges representing player Justin Dimond and his partner Agility Logistics, Dunedin clocking in third.

Cricket The fourth annual cricket match between South Port and EIS took place at the home of Southland Cricket in late February. On a beautiful sunny day South Port Captain, Hayden Mikkelsen lost the toss and was asked to field. The bowling effort got off to a great start having EIS reeling early, however a number of big middle innings partnerships (and some wayward bowling) this was not the case and at 3/30 it required the experienced allowed the automation and electrical specialists to post an hands of Houston Te Tai (30 runs retired) and Jamie May (30 runs imposing score of 144. Both Scott Faithfull and Paul James retired) to steady the ship and get the Port in a position to win. could hold their head high with impressive bowling stats going Upon their retirements it was Nigel Gear and Rochelle Van Beek for 5 and 4 runs per over respectively from their two over (playing her first game) who successfully navigated the team to allocation. the winning total. With a target of 145 needed for victory, a steady start with the The victory now levels the 4-match series at 2-a-piece - Bring loss of no wickets was what the doctor ordered. Unfortunately, on 2021! 09 ► ‘Snow’ Class reefer Snow Drift inbound for Bluff.

SALEN SHIP MANAGEMENT AND SALENREDERIERNA

For several cruise seasons past Bluff at the 1936 and 1954 Olympic Games, carriers, the Baltic Wasa, that first brought has played host to the luxurious little winning a bronze medal in 1936. the Salen colours to Bluff when she called ‘adventure’ type cruise ship here in 1975. Otherwise it was the reefers Salen was particularly noted for its Caledonian Sky. She is owned by that represented Salen in Bluff, notably refrigerated ships and fruit carriers, a Noble Caledonia, a British travel the ‘Snow’ class, considered to be among trade in which it became involved through agency established in 1991 and the finest reefers afloat. the purchase of six small fruit ships which specialising in small ship cruising to were used to tranship bananas from major Salen became Sweden’s largest shipping remote areas of the world. From its European ports to Scandinavia. In 1937 a company in 1968, the year before Sven inception Noble Caledonia employed cargo service between Scandinavia and Salen died. He must have left content Katarina Salen who left in 1999 to the Pacific North-West was begun and with the development of the company he form her own travel company, before upon the outbreak of the Second World completing the circle in 2006 by had founded 54 years earlier, but it was War the Salen fleet comprised seven purchasing Noble Caledonia. Under not to last. When the Organisation of ships. her tutelage the company acquired Petroleum Exporting Countries increased three small cruise ships, the Island Postwar the Salen fleet expanded and the price of crude oil by 70% in 1973 the Sky in 2010, Caledonian Sky in 2011 diversified. In 1951 a major new venture effect on tanker owners was catastrophic. and Hebridean Sky in 2016. The for the company began with the delivery A huge reduction in oil consumption made three were very similar having been of the Dagmar Salen, an oil tanker and the half the world’s tanker fleet redundant but built for the top end of the ‘adventure’ first of many. Notable among them was despite this dire backdrop Salen’s cruise ship market. To operate this the Carlshamn, not because the ship directors ordered seven Very Large Crude small fleet Salen Ship Management herself was significant but because she Carriers (VLCC’s) of 360,000 tonnes. All was established in 2010 reviving the was the first ship to carry the blue and went straight into layup. Sven Salen’s name and funnel colours of white Salen funnel seen in the sons Sven Hampus Salen and Christer Salenrederierna, established by accompanying photographs, the funnel Salen were now running the company Katarina’s grandfather, Sven Salen, having previously been yellow with a which was renamed Salinvest. Virtually nearly a century earlier. green band. In the new design the lines the entire fleet was sold to try and stave above and below the Salen ‘S’ represented off the inevitable but to no avail and in Sven Salen was born on 7 November December 1984 Salinvest filed for 1890 in Boras, Southern Sweden, some the bananas that had been the basis of the company’s early prosperity. bankruptcy. The few remaining ships 40 miles from Gothenburg. Having were sold and the once vast Salen fleet observed the high freight rates prevailing Refrigerated ships and tankers dominated was gone. during the First World War he resolved to the expanding Salen fleet although dry become a shipowner and in 1915 bought cargo was also catered for with a fleet of This was not the end of the family’s the coaster Robur. At just 200 tons it was bulk carriers. In fact it was one of the bulk shipping interests however. Among his a small enough beginning for what many business interests Christer was to become Sweden’s largest Salen was in a partnership that shipping company. A similar had built the adventure type cruise coaster was the next purchase ship Frontier Spirit in 1990, one of followed by two full-rigged sailing her first ports of call being Bluff ships and a few smaller sailing where she is still a regular visitor vessels, but that was to be the limit under her present name of of Sven Salen’s involvement with Bremen. Then along came commercial sail. He did however Christer’s daughter Katarina and retain an interest in recreational the Salen colours were seen again ► The Caledonian Sky preparing to disembark her pilot outbound from Bluff. sailing and represented Sweden in Bluff. Long may it be so. 10