Maritime Union backs new ports bill

The Maritime Union says a new members bill that will increase the transparency and accountability of publicly owned New Zealand ports is a positive move and has wide support.

Maritime Union of New Zealand General Secretary Joe Fleetwood says the Union congratulates Labour MP Darien Fenton whose Local Government (Council-Controlled Organisations) Amendment Bill has been drawn from the ballot.

He says the bill addresses the pressing need to change the law to bring publicly owned ports into line with other public assets, which are covered by the Official Information Act.

The new bill would also mean that ports would be required to act as a good employer, and exhibit social and environmental responsibility in their communities.

The Maritime Union last week wrote to the Auckland Council requesting some accountability for the actions of Ports of Auckland Limited management and the costs incurred to the people of Auckland.