Of course there must be rationalisation of the ports sector

Nothing that I've ever written in support of MUNZ opposes change in the port industry. It is often badly sited, over-capitalised, subject to idiotic, predatory competition, and is still vital for our economy. I support the merger of Auckland and Tauranga, and have done since the 1990s. I can see real merits in concentrating container traffic in one or the other, with proper long-term infrastructure in at least one port on the North Island. I would expect Labour to take the same position. Bryce Edwards surprises me when he expresses surprise about what Mr Twyford has written. Every report on the sector for years says that change is needed.

Smashing MUNZ and allowing a private sector rationalisation of the sector is not the way to go about the necessary change. That is a recipe for asset stripping by overseas investors (who have been hovering for years, especially from the US). A national port strategy is required, including a proper approach to staff consequences of rationalisation. Labour is on solid ground when it argues for this.