Maritime Union of New Zealand media release

Maritime Union says Hager investigation has revealed Ports of Auckland agenda

15 August 2014

The Maritime Union says the Ports of Auckland must come clean after revelations in Nicky Hager’s new book “Dirty Politics.”

Maritime Union National President Garry Parsloe says Mr Hager’s investigative journalism has detailed that Ports of Auckland, a company owned by the people of Auckland through Auckland City, was involved on many levels with right wing “attack” bloggers and publicists to smear union members during industrial disputes.

If the Ports of Auckland would not come clean, they must be directed to by the owners of the port, Auckland City, on behalf of the ratepayers and citizens of Auckland.

Questions that must be answered include:

Does the Port and the Board confirm or deny any unethical practices as described in “Dirty Politics" were being paid for by the Port company, effectively coming out of the ratepayers pocket?

Will the Port Company open the books on the full cost to ratepayers of their attack on their own workforce, starting with payments to attack bloggers, PR firms and consultants?

Does the Port confirm or deny the connection outlined by attack bloggers and Ports of Auckland Board chair Richard Pearson?

Does the Port confirm or deny a connection between its management and attack bloggers or their associates?

Does the Port and the Board confirm or deny that contracting out plans were discussed with outside parties involved with attack bloggers?

If any of these situations occurred, or the Port company or Board refuse to answer, then a clean out of the Board is now required and a full independent audit of Port Company management’s actions in the dispute must be held, says Mr Parsloe.

“I do not see how the Board can remain after the spotlight of truth has exposed what has happened here.”

“This was not about productivity, or the best interests of Auckland. This was an attack on their own workers and a misuse of ratepayers money.”

ENDS

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