Community Newsletter - June 2025

From the Wharf

CHANGING GEARS

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Welcome to the seventh edition and 4th year of Mai I Te Wāpu.

These first five months of the calendar year have flown by and brings us closer to the end of our financial year on 30 June 2025.

The Port, as most Port watchers will know has been busy on all fronts.

In our interim report we indicated increased supplementary feed and fertiliser were being handled through the Port to support the agriculture sector, especially the dairy industry.

The forecasted hike in the farmgate milk price to the range of $9.70 to $10.30 per kg of milk solids, is an encouraging sign for the dairy industry, and especially the Southland region. Noting that agricultural imports and exports represent one third of South Port’s cargo base, this is also a positive sign for the Port.

Forestry and the cargoes that support the New Zealand Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) represent the other two thirds of the cargo base at Bluff.

There have been signs of a recovery in the forestry sector, however, the markets in Asia are still unstable and the recent tariffs imposed out of the USA haven’t helped the situation.

NZAS has been an important and consistent part of the Port’s operations for 54 years. In recent times however volumes have been impacted due to demand response calls from Meridian Energy. These calls are to temporarily reduce power supply to NZAS to assist the country in times of tight supply, especially when heading into the winter months when hydro lakes are low.

Staff have been busy. Technology upgrades, health and safety projects, property developments and increased compliance requirements have kept the office staff ‘on their toes’ and working hard to meet the commitments of an NZX listed company.

Container, warehousing, marine and bulk cargo staff have also been busier with increased cargoes coming through the Port. The team will be looking forward to a ‘breather’ over the winter months when activity slows down for a short period of time before the cycle begins once again!

Not forgetting the infrastructure team, that has been kept busy upgrading the Island Harbour and of note the western tip, which was basically the last piece of land left to develop.

The company also welcomed Sam Grant, our second intern director appointed to the Board for an 18-month period, (more on this on page 4).

Looking forward there are some great opportunities for the Southland region, especially energy developments and aquaculture.

Stage 2 of the Kaiwera Downs wind farm 15km east of Gore, is on target to be imported through the Port in late 2025. This is ‘big kit’ and it’s always exciting to watch large project cargo being handled through the Port.

We will also watch with interest the fast track consenting process, particularly the progress of Contact Energy’s planned 300 MW wind farm east of Wyndham, and Ngāi Tahu’s Hananui aquaculture farm at Rakiura.

Finally, it is with great sadness we note the passing of Neil Cantrick (former CEO/Managing Director of South Port).

Neil, a ‘Bluffy’, worked at the Port for 26 years, leading the business through changes from the Southland Harbour Board to the formation of South Port, and then to the listing on the NZX before retirement. He was not only recognised for the work and development of the Port locally (and in the Bluff community), but by his peers for the work he achieved for the port industry nationwide. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to Noreen, Tracey, John and Paula during this sad time. As this is ‘relatively fresh’ a more full and expansive history of Neil and his achievements will be prepared for the July edition of The Portsider and the 8th edition of Mai I Te Wāpu.

Ngā mihi nui

Nigel Gear Chief Executive

MEET THE TEAM: MARK EGGINTON, PORT SECURITY

Mark Egginton joined South Port as our Port Facility Security Coordinator in November 2023. Mark and the security team play a critical part in managing and monitoring access to the Port, ensuring compliance with site rules and regulations to safeguard health and safety of port workers.

Their work also helps mitigate Port security risks, protect Port infrastructure and assets, manage business commercial risk and enhance operational efficiencies.

Mark brings with him a wealth of experience in security having served twelve years with the United Kingdom Police Force, followed by over two decades in the Middle East working in private security for various embassies.

Once living in Southland, he spent more than seven years at Bluff Engineering and Welding as their Business Development Manager.

Mark, his wife Josefa, and their son Alexander relocated to Invercargill in 2011. Alexander is a 2025 recipient of the South Port Staff Scholarship which has assisted him with his university studies with a goal of becoming a perioperative practitioner. (Read more about Alexander and the other scholarship recipients on page 7).

With such a diverse and accomplished background, Mark is a valuable asset to the South Port team.

We sat down with him to learn about his position from his perspective, and a bit more about the man behind the role.

What are three words to describe you?

 Reliable, resilient and team-player.

What do you enjoy most about working for South Port?

 The positive company culture: South Port has a supportive and inclusive environment where employees feel valued and respected.

What do you view as your greatest work achievement?

 Developing a respected and competent security team.

What’s the most difficult part of your job?

 Although few and far between, we sometimes have difficult customers who don’t understand or respect that ports are required to operate under the Maritime Security Act 2004. Failure to monitor maritime security could result in the Port being shut down. We need to control who enters our Port, so when security asks for ID or you are requested to have your vehicle inspected, they are only trying to do their job.

What’s the best part about working at the Port?

 Transparent and honest communication at all levels of the organisation. The many opportunities for growth from continuous development, learning, and career advancement opportunities. Initiatives that promote physical and mental wellbeing, such as the Southern Cross Heath Care package and the onsite gym. It is great to work for a company that supports a healthy balance between work and personal life.

What hobbies do you have outside of work?

 I am the co-founder of ‘Cosplay for charity’, we dress up in costumes (Star Wars, Marvel etc) and raise money for charities. You may have seen us in town dressed as Storm Troopers collecting for Pink Ribbon, Heart Foundation or Make a Wish. We have expanded into Dunedin where we have carried out hospital visits. Last year we took part in both the Dunedin and Invercargill Santa Parades. Any excuse to get dressed up as your favourite character! We are always looking for new members, so if you want to give it a go feel free to contact me, a costume can be provided - with a helmet if you feel shy!

SOUTH PORT SUPPORTS TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE FOR YOUTHLINE

Recently, South Port sourced and funded six new wireless headsets for Youthline Southland to support the volunteers by eliminating background noise and distractions, allowing them to maintain privacy on their calls, and being able to be mobile while taking a call.

Youthline Southland is one of six independent centres that have to source their own funding. With significant funding cuts to the social services sector, they are one of many community organisations competing for the same fund. Predominantly, the funding received from social agencies goes toward operational costs, said Krista Farley, Community Activation Manager for Youthline Southland.

Krista had tried multiple funding agencies to obtain the funds for the headsets, but they were declined. Krista believes they are very lucky in Southland to have community funders, such as South Port, they can reach out to.

When Krista started at Youthline Southland in 2023, they had only five active volunteers, today, she is proud to have a team of 15 of varying ages, stages and careers.

She believes this increase can be partially attributed to being able to offer the volunteers the technology to assist them in their roles.

“With the increasing complexity and severity of the calls we are receiving, any little things we can do to make our volunteer’s jobs easier is important,” said Krista.

“We are so grateful for these volunteers, so we want to be able to do the best possible for them,” she said.

At the time Krista was searching for a funding solution for new headsets, Sian Tarrant, South Port Container Services Manager, was on the Youthline Southland board.

As part of her professional development, South Port put Sian through a Leadership Academy, and through the Academy Alumni group

became aware of a vacancy on the Youthline Southland Board, and subsequently became the Board Chair.

Sian had seen first-hand how difficult it was, with the increasing number of volunteers trying to manage calls in such a small space with the gear they were using.

“Knowing South Port supports a lot of community initiatives, I felt it was worth discussing the opportunity with the Executive Leadership Team at South Port, who encouraged Krista to put a proposal together,” said Sian.

Krista describes having the new headsets as “an absolute game changer”, and this has been reinforced by the comments Krista has received from the volunteers:

“Due to the amazing quality and functions of our new headsets, our volunteers are finally able to take phone calls whilst sitting side by side and have confidence that our young person can’t hear any background noise.”

“The wireless function of the headsets means that our volunteers can now move around whilst talking, which is a game changer, especially as some calls can go for over an hour.”

“The simple action of lifting up the talking microphone to mute the client means we are more efficient with being able to find resources in a timely manner.”

While the Helpline is top priority, with an improved training model and a good number of volunteers Krista is working on expanding services with new initiatives. One of these currently being trialled is a program at Aurora College that trains year 12 and 13 students to become ‘connectors’ in the school, and recognise the signs of anyone who might be struggling and looking for someone to talk to.

Ultimately, Krista would like to see Youthline Southland expand to have hubs in other areas, such as Te Anau, Bluff, and Gore, which would alleviate the need for volunteers to travel. She is keen for all those trained through Youthline to use the skills they have to support everyone in their network and community.

If you are interested in volunteering or gaining skills, you can scan the QR Code (below), which will take you to the Helpline application form.

LOCALS WIN MAYALL CUP EASTER FUNDRAISER

The annual Mayall Cup Golf tournament was held in Bluff this year, and despite a postponement due to weather, it was another great turn-out with 26 teams competing for the cup.

This year’s competition was a tough fought battle, with the wind getting a lot of the blame for some wayward shots. In the end it seems local knowledge was the key, with Eric Williams and Evan Parry taking out the win.

A very close second was Chris Hollingworth and Shane Gough from NZAS, and third Jonathan Daintith and Jakson Williams from South Port.

Closest to the pin: Lewis Risk (hole #3), Rangi Goodman (hole #9).

Longest drive: Jayleel Fa’amoe Ioane.

We’re looking forward to doing it all again in 2026 at Queens Park, Invercargill.

ANNUAL HOSPICE APPEAL

South Port staff again took up the challenge to help raise funds for Hospice Southland, a health charity that provides specialist palliative care to people with a life-limiting illness, at no cost thanks to the generous support of our communities.

“Hospice is a fantastic community service, and so many people benefit from it, so our staff were only too happy to get behind the appeal,” said Helen Young, People and Safety Manager, South Port.

Staff at South Port organised an Easter Fundraising Raffle to support the Bluff Volunteer Firefighters involved in the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge. The raffle was drawn by Jack Kini (Senior Firefighter, Bluff Volunteer Fire Brigade and one of the firefighters taking part in the stair challenge) and he gratefully received the $515 raised.

Thank you to Prime Range Meats and Bluff 4 Square for their generosity in donating prizes – we couldn’t have done this without their support for the community!

SOUTH PORT vs KIWIRAIL

Congratulations to the South Port Cricket team that comfortably beat KiwiRail in a T20 cricket match in March.

After losing the toss, captain Hayden Mikkelsen, Container Operations Manager, South Port, was very pleased with the 158 runs posted from his team in the allotted 20 overs. Ray Tull, Nigel Gear and Houston Te Tai all posted 30 runs retired with the bat to set up the big score.

In return KiwiRail were all out for 90, thanks to a very good all-round bowling and fielding effort from the South Port team.

Player of the match went to Katie Eaton, Marine Operations Supervisor, South Port, who picked up 3 wickets from her 2 overs.

WELCOME ABOARD SAM GRANT, INTERN DIRECTOR

South Port has appointed Sam Grant to its Board of Directors for a term of 18 months as an Intern Director. Sam will be an observer only and is not considered to be a “director”.

Sam is currently an Investment Advisor with Craigs Investment Partners, and is also a trustee for Community Trust South.

This internship is aligned with the Southland Corporate Governance Intern Programme, which aims to build governance capability in Southland and provide opportunities for aspiring directors to advance their governance careers.

“Sam is Southland born and bred, based in Gore where he is employed as an Investment Advisor. He has a background in finance and risk management, and his skills will transition well to the governance setting. This appointment gives him first-hand practical experience in a commercial board setting where he can bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the table,” said Philip Cory-Wright, South Port Chair.

Sam Grant commented “I am honoured to join South Port as an Intern Director. This opportunity allows me to gain invaluable insights into corporate governance and contribute to the strategic direction of Southland’s only listed company. I look forward to learning from the experienced board members and bringing my skills in finance and risk management to the boardroom. Being a proud Southlander, I am excited to give back to the community and help drive its growth and success.”

GREEN-GOLD SUCCESS FOR ST TERESA’S SCHOOL

For more than a decade St Teresa’s School has been involved in developing a sustainable practice guided by the Enviroschools principles.

Enviroschools is a programme schools choose to be a part of, it is a kaupapa about creating a healthy, peaceful, sustainable world through learning and acting together and there are five ‘Guiding Principles’ which help to drive the programme, they are: Empowered Learners, Learning for Sustainability, Sustainable Communities, Te Ao Māori and Respect for Diversity.

The small crew of students invited representatives from South Port, Bluff Hill Motupōhue Environment Trust, Invercargill City Council, Community Trust South, Father Gerard, Bluff Primary School, Bluff community members, past students, friends and whānau to join their final stage-based reflection to achieve Green-Gold status.

The students highlighted their commitment to sustainability through a powerpoint presentation and a tour of the sustainable practices they have in their school and surrounding community, including their recycling systems, worm farm, fruit trees, chicken coop, Fish on Drains, vegetable, herb, rongōa and bee-friendly gardens. Other activities such as the participation in the Bluff Community Street Clean-up and the annual beach clean-up were also acknowledged.

“Our bee garden”. As part of the tour the students showed off their garden to their invited guests.

Following the tour the students, together with teacher Rosi Coyle and guided by Enviroschools representative Jane Tagomoa, went through a thorough decision-making process that considered the evidence prepared and collected throughout the day, and it was extremely evident that St Teresa’s School is a Green-Gold Enviroschool.

In true Green-Gold style, the tamariki also recorded a lengthy list of ‘Next Steps’ for their Enviroschools journey, showing once again their dedication to their journey in sustainability.

Congratulations to Rosi, the Tamariki, Nicola and Caroline!

UPDATE FROM: PREDATOR FREE RAKIURA

Rakiura Stewart Island is home to a wide array of native birds, reptiles, and bats – including some found nowhere else on the planet, like the Rakiura tokoeka (kiwi), pukunui (Southern New Zealand dotterel) and harlequin gecko.

Introduced predators are the biggest threat to our native wildlife. Feral cats, hedgehogs, possums, and three rat species cover the island, eating birds, eggs and chicks, as well as the fruits, leaves and seeds that nurture the ngahere.

Some native taoka, like the bush wren and tutukiwi/Stewart Island snipe, have already been lost forever. Some, like the tīeke/South Island saddleback, and kākāpō, have been evacuated from the island for their survival. And some that remain on Rakiura, like the pukunui, are on the brink of extinction.

We must act now to preserve what makes Rakiura unique and inspires such love for the place.

The Predator Free Rakiura project is a long-held aspiration to restore the mauri of this special place by completely removing rats, possums, hedgehogs, and feral cats from Rakiura. It will leave a healthier Rakiura as a sustainable legacy for takata whenua, communities, and the next generations that call Rakiura home.

This project is a collaboration between manawhenua, the Department of Conservation, Zero Invasive Predators and other partners. It builds on the hard work and experience of many, including the successful eradications on the nearby Tītī Islands which have allowed species like tīeke to thrive and regenerate.

TALKING BIOSECURITY

Following eradication of introduced predators, we will need a robust approach to biosecurity; one that builds on existing efforts and is supported by communities on and off the island. We are discovering that commercial operators already put a lot of effort

into rodent control, which means there is an existing platform of biosecurity that we can build on.

Input from the Bluff community—deeply connected to Rakiura—will be vital in designing a system that suits.

STAY IN-THE-KNOW AND JOIN THE DISCUSSION

The first operational stage of the project is about learning. Alongside research and biosecurity planning, we will trial proven predator control tools and techniques, refining them to suit Rakiura’s needs and informing how eradication can be effectively scaled across the island—shaped at each step by ongoing discussions with the community.

Keep an eye on the project website for more information and regular updates: www.predatorfreerakiura.org.nz

Sign up to receive regular updates by email, ask questions or give input by emailing us: info@predatorfreerakiura.org.nz

2025 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP » Nathaniel Sutherland

Local Bluff resident Nathaniel Sutherland is set to begin his studies at Canterbury University in 2025, aiming for a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours.

Nathaniel’s ultimate goal is to become a Mechanical Engineer, with a particular interest in the design and theoretical aspects of mechanics. His fascination with mechanical structures and performance machines began with fixing and modifying motorbikes and now extends to his treasured 1984 Nissan Patrol. He remains intrigued by various mechanical systems and enjoys working on projects to learn from them.

His hobbies include fly fishing, (which he taught himself), mountaineering, and drumming. His involvement with the Bluff Sea Scouts ignited his passion for the outdoors which now sees him and his brother traversing various mountain ranges around the South Island.

In addition to excelling in his academic studies and physical pursuits, Nathaniel was the drummer of the Southland Youth Jazz Band which competed at numerous national and regional events across New Zealand. Nathaniel has a deep passion for music and will continue to pursue future musical endeavours.

We wish Nathaniel well on his journey north to begin his next adventure.

STAFF SCHOLARSHIP » Alexander Egginton

Alexander Egginton is the son of Mark Egginton, the Port Facility Security Co-ordinator at South Port. He is heading into his 3rd year as a perioperative student and is passionate about becoming a skilled and compassionate perioperative practitioner, aiming to contribute to high-quality surgical care in Southland.

For the past two years, Alexander has been balancing full-time studies via correspondence, clinical placements and part-time work. He believes this has taught him resilience, discipline and the ability to manage his time more effectively. As placement hours increase with each year of study, he has found it necessary to adapt and focus on managing time effectively to ensure he succeeds academically and develops professionally. Through clinical placements Alexander has gained hands-on experience, and is committed to developing the necessary technical expertise, communication skills, and empathy required for the profession.

Alexander enjoys maintaining a balanced lifestyle by working out at the local YMCA, spending time outdoors with his dog, and engaging in hobbies like playing video games and watching movies. These activities help him stay physically and mentally fit, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.

We have no doubt Alexander will achieve his goal, and wish him all the best for his final year of study.

STAFF SCHOLARSHIP » Thaeya Hoyle

Thaeya, daughter of Brett Hoyle, who is a member of our Weekend Relief Tug Crew, has excelled academically and in the sporting and community domains during her time at Southland Girls High School. She is thrilled to be starting her Bachelor of Engineering at Auckland University this year, which is the first step to achieving her goal of becoming a skilled and innovative engineer.

From a young age, Thaeya had an obsessive curiosity about how things work. She loves the idea of looking at the tiniest details to see what can be altered to achieve optimal performance. In recent years, she has developed an obsession with cars, so it’s not surprising her long-term goal is to work in motorsport or automotive industries. She has been rowing competitively for five years and has represented her school, Waihopai Rowing Club, and her province. Her Senior Rowing Coach points out that rowing takes a lot of commitment, time management, and an ability to communicate with your coach and other athletes. He credits Thaeya with developing all of these skills,

becoming a role model for younger members, and a senior leader at the club.

Growing up in Bluff, Thaeya has been inspired by the strength of the community and knows the importance of contributing to it. She has completed her recruits’ course for the Bluff Volunteer Fire Brigade, and will participate in the Sky City Stair Climb Challenge in May 2025, racing up 1,103 stairs wearing 25 kilograms of gear.

Haere pai (go well) Thaeya!

BLESSING OF MURIHIKU

A break in the weather saw the sun shine down on the blessing of the new pilot vessel, Murihiku, in late May.

The proceedings were led by Dean Whaanga, Kaupapa Taiao Kaiwhakahaere, Te Ao Mārama (TAMI), accompanied by Philip CoryWright, Board Chair, and Geoff Finnerty, Port General Manager, South Port, asking our tīpuna/ancestors and Tangaroa to protect the vessel and crew when they are at sea, to help ensure our people safely return home and back to land.

Following the blessing, and cutting of the ribbon, South Port Board of Director’s and Leadership Team led the waiata ‘Te Pūkorokoro o Murihiku’.

SEEING DOUBLE

Anyone watching Bluff Harbour on a Sunday afternoon in early March could be excused for thinking they were seeing double, with the rare occurrence of MSC Shahar departing, and MSC Nassau IV arriving, on the same tide.

Thanks to Graham Brown, Terminal Supervisor, South Port, for the picture.

Murihiku will be used for a variety of tasks outside of transporting pilot’s, including survey and inspection work.

The Murihiku underwent sea trials in February 2025, following extensive modifications to meet Maritime New Zealand requirements for a pilot vessel, and subsequently gained the required certification for operation.

The vessel previously known as ‘Reel Deep’ arrived at Bluff from Hobart in March 2024, where the vessel was renamed Murihiku, a name gifted by Tā Tipene O’Regan, Upoko of Te Rūnaka