Keeping the neighbours on side
Auckland prefers transparency and co-operation over conflict with surrounding residents
In addition to its proactive activities, Ports of Auckland also has systems in place to deal with complaints from local residents.
A 24/7 free phone number is available, with POAL adopting a policy of positively welcoming both feedback and complaints. An initial response is provided within 24 hours and a fuller one within 10 working days.
In terms of light pollution issues, a major energy-efficiency programme at the port has successfully reduced light spill and has been positively received by the community, says Catherine Etheredge, senior communications manager at Ports of Auckland.
“Although we don't have as a big a problem with noise as some other New Zealand ports, POAL has taken a number of steps to address a range of noise issues,” she adds, noting that there has been close engagement with the community and this external input has been very helpful in terms of understanding where and why problems are occurring.
In contrast to many cities, traffic to and from the port of Auckland does not account for a significant proportion of overall city-wide and region-wide volume in this respect.
“However, we do receive some complaints about truck noise along the main entry route to the port and our approach is to work with the industry and other stakeholders to try and reduce noise from, for example, engine braking in the early hours of the morning,” says Ms Etheredge.
Images for this article - click to enlarge
Unless otherwise stated, all images copyright © Mercator Media 2012. This does not exclude the owner's assertion of copyright over the material.
