Port of Tauranga: Port in a storm

In the wake of strikes this week at Ports of Auckland, POA, it seems owners of the now publicly owned port , Auckland Regional Holdings, ARH have refused to talk about the reasons why they put a buzz saw to the marriage between it and the Port of Tauranga Ltd [POT.NZ]

The Cameron Report, done by an investment banker, points to widespread efficiency gains from the tie up of the two ports. Efficiency gains would have resulted in more streamlined ports operations with bottom line benefits for customers.

Judith Bassett, ARH chair and ARC councilor has refused to release the report. Industry insiders say the possible gains were worth more than $50 million a year.

The Port of Tauranga is a much more efficient beast than POA and it seems jealousy over this and arguments that POT management wanted a bigger slice in the marriage because of their ports efficiencies may have sunk the merger.

As an outsider and ARC ratepayer myself one has to ask oneself what are ARC councilors hiding? It cant be good and clearly wont be released until after local elections in a week or so.

It probably wont be the end of port consolidation in the future between these two parties because it just makes financial sense to do so.

Ironically while POA's profit dived for 2007, POT's was up sharply.

Amazing what can happen to a company when it is abused by politicians.


POT @ Share Investor

Long Term View: Port Of Tauranga Ltd
Port in a storm
Ports of Auckland put a shot over competitor's bow

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