Port network established to advocate for Port of Timaru

Representatives of workers, business and local Government met this week in Timaru and have formed a "Timaru Port Network" to advocate for the port.

The Maritime Union of New Zealand, South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, Timaru District Council and Aoraki Development Trust were all represented at Tuesday's meeting.

The formation of the group comes out of a public meeting on the future of the port of Timaru held last month.

Spokesperson Trevor Hanson, of the Maritime Union, says the fact that such diverse groups are working together on the issue shows the strong support the port has in the region.

He says all the organizations involved have their individual concerns, but recognized the need for a united face and a co-ordinated approach.

The intention of the group is to advocate for the Port of Timaru and its users, following concerns about the effect of the shock decision in August by Fonterra to stop exporting local products from the port in favour of long distance rail.

The group is to seek a meeting with the Minister of Transport Steven Joyce to represent the interests of the Timaru region in retaining and developing its port.

They will seek to clarify the Government's view on KiwiRail and Fonterra's arrangements and how this was impacting on the Port of Timaru.

The group also want to continue talks with Fonterra and would be pushing for a "longer term" view of how Fonterra should be working together with regional communities on logistics and transport issues.