Auckland has youth on its side

Waiting on café tables only eight months previously, Ms Hofmann became fully qualified in the role on March 28 at the age of 20 years and 362 days.

Praising the training received from her port company coaches, Ms Hofmann says she is enjoying the job, and added: “Give me a challenge and I’ll take it, especially when I can compete with the boys.”

Ports of Auckland people and processes general manager Diane Edwards cites the achievement as evidence of a changing mindset from the historically male-dominated port working environment.

“Through work redesign and better recruitment and training practices we’ve removed barriers to entry and widened our talent pool,” said Ms Edwards.
Ports of Auckland currently has 16 women working as straddle or crane drivers.