OCEANIA

Port death charges

5 years ago

Charges have been brought against a New Zealand port operator following the death of a port worker.

Maritime New Zealand has filed charges against Ports of Auckland Ltd (POAL) and an individual in relation to the death of a port worker almost a year ago, said Kirstie Hewlett, Director of Maritime New Zealand.

“POAL has been charged under sections 47, 48 and 90 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015,” she said.

“An individual has been charged under sections 48 and 49 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015,” Hewlett added.

Pala’amo (Amo) Kalati was killed on 30 August 2020 after being crushed when a container was dropped during a lifting operation.

The charges have been filed in the Auckland District Court. A court date has not yet been set.

Maritime New Zealand said this is the only public statement it plans to make while the matter is before the Court.

POAL’s former CEO, Tony Gibson, left his position in June, after resigning in May following “personal attacks”. POAL has been contending with an ongoing debate about its future existence alongside three fatalities in recent years.