It is interesting to hear news in the Herald of plans for the ports to spread further into the Waitemata. These plans (or their principle) have been in place since the 1990s (and have nothing particular to do with Len Brown's mayoralty, despite some Right-wing numpties who are suggesting that Mr Brown is somehow culpable for the plan), and have involved the movement of the centre of activity of the port towards the Mechanics Bay end of port operations, with associated new facilities, dredging (and the disposal of waste) and the like. The issue of reduced amenity for the Mr Keys of this world (who might hear more port noise from their two-section modern bunkers overlooking the port, for example) has been an associated factor, as have been concerns about the environmental effects of the proposed development. Lurking in the background is the issue of blasting the rock band on the sea bed, which limits the safe entry of the largest container vessels.
It is an unfortunate time for this to arise in the media (at least, for management). People are already concerned about a high-handed, arrogant approach to employment relations in the port. The possibility of reduced community amenity and environmental damage caused by port expansion is not a good look.
IDLE THOUGHTS OF AN IDLE FELLOW: The Ruminations of Robert Winter
`People are already concerned about a high-handed, arrogant approach to employment relations in the port.'
ReplyDeleteI think you mean `some people' - most of what I read suggests strong support for POA and not the Unions who have generated more ill will than goodwill among the public.
"might hear more port noise from their two-section modern bunkers overlooking the port"
ReplyDeleteA case of buyer beware. Those you're referring to in the swanky Remmers northern slopes will be further away and upwind of the prevailing winds. Less of a problem.
It's the Devonport crowd that will be 250m closer downwind. And they have a history of never ending complaining about Dockyard noise at night. After they knowingly purchased in a neighbourhood downwind of the Naval base that had been there since ToW days.
The channel is already blasted and dredged to 11.5m if I remember correctly. Do they want bigger ones yet?
@PM: I understand (based on info from some time ago) that blasting in the channel is still a possibility. I am happy to be corrected on this.
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