Shipper’s body slams Kotahi
New Zealand Importers’ Institute secretary Daniel Silva has labelled the new Kotahi logistics partnership a “collusion” against shipping companies and ports.
A joint venture between milk co-operative Fonterra and meat exporter Silver Fern Farms, Kotahi will get freight discounts for itself while leaving smaller non-aligned shippers facing higher rates as a consequence, said Mr Silva.
“The Importers’ Institute urges the Commerce Commission to decline this proposal,” he says.
“We urge the Government to take steps to free up our economy (including the break-up of export monopolies), instead of tying it up in the red tape of planning committees staffed by would-be experts.”
Kotahi chief executive Chris Greenough counters that his organisation aims to benefit both freight owners and freight carriers alike.
“We’re working to improve utilisation and reduce waste in the supply chain which is good for all of us,” he says.
“Of course we do want to get the best price for New Zealand’s supply chain to the world, but this will only be achieved sustainably by reducing the costs to serve, which also benefits the carriers, ultimately making New Zealand a more significant player.”
While most of Kotahi’s seaborne activities are already exempted by the carriage of goods by sea exception, the new entity’s full offering and potential would only be realised if granted Commerce Commission approval.
