Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) national president Garry Parsloe is demanding Ports of Auckland’s senior management and board reveal what relationships and dealings they had with right wing “attack bloggers” during the recent industrial dispute.
Alternatively calling for an independent audit, his actions follows publication of Dirty Politics by investigative journalist Nicky Hager, which Mr Parlsoe cites as detailing the port company was “involved on many levels” with such parties in an orchestrated smear campaign.
However, Ports of Auckland head of communications Matt Ball “absolutely refutes” the claim and says there were no payments to bloggers or journalists by the port or its advisors.
“Any assertion to the contrary is a fabrication,” he says. “There was no ‘collusion’ between port management and bloggers.
“The port was very open with information during the dispute. All media, including, bloggers were treated equally and provided with information or access when requested.”
