Onboarding new recruits
One of last year’s Integrated Reporting “works ons” for Our kaimahi was “Onboarding new recruits, making the most of their ‘fresh eyes’ on the job”. We asked two of our recently recruited Cargo Handlers if we had walked the talk.
Jean-Pierre Burger
Cargo Handler at Port Otago since January 2025
(14 years’ experience in South African and New Zealand ports)
Q: What attracted you to Port Otago?
A: Some of my friends came down to the port in May last year and were saying all the best things of Port Otago. So I grabbed the opportunity with both hands to join them. They said the work-life balance and environment was better and that holds true.
Q: How have you been received by the team?
A: The people are brilliant. From the very first day or two, everyone was really welcoming and supportive and quick to help out, which made it very easy to integrate.
Southern hospitality really is a thing. Most of the people I work with are from Dunedin and they are the best kind of people – friendly and laid back. Within the first week, I started making solid friends.
Q: How is the role stacking up, compared to your expectations?
A: I did not realise I’d enjoy working here as much as I do – the culture, the people, the environment. The port is really good to its staff. The help and number of benefits provided make me feel very fortunate.
Q: As “fresh eyes”, have you identified room for improvement and shared those thoughts?
A: It’s a smaller port and the way they do things is a lot more efficient. Having worked at other ports, I have had a couple of insights – and people have listened and taken it on board. If it’s sensible and feasible to work here, they’ve considered it. My insights have been well received and no one here has ever dismissed me. Management, senior levels and my peers in operations are all really respectful of what anyone has to say and that’s a refreshing environment to work in.
Tailasi Kilisome
Cargo Handler at Port Otago since January 2025
(25 years’ experience in port sector – Tuvalu and New Zealand)
Q: What attracted you to Port Otago?
A: I have a cousin who works here and he encouraged me to apply. I fell in love with the job on my first day. In Auckland, I was in traffic all the time. I had to get up at 4.30am, be in the car by 5am, to beat the traffic and make it to work in time for my 12-hour shift at 7am. Now we are living in Sawyers Bay*. On my first day’s drive to work, I phoned my cousin and said, “I love this. I’m staying”.
Q: How have you been received by the team?
A: I’ve made new friends. I really like it here.
Q: As “fresh eyes”, have you identified room for improvement and shared those thoughts?
A: I lost two of my workmates on the job in my previous job, so – if I see something that’s not very good – I’ll say something. I tell the person, “Take your time and be safe”. It’s a thing we do if we love someone. And I’ll tell the manager if I need to. Rules are there to keep us safe. I want everyone to go home to their families at the end of the day.
Q: How is your family settling in Otago?
A: There’s no going back. The kids love it here. We have a 14-year-old at Otago Boys’ who loves the rugby and a seven-year-old at George Street Normal. The boys’ future was the most important thing in making our choice to move. It’s a much better future for them here. And my wife Pelelisa is happy, because the boys are happy.
*Sawyers Bay is 2km from Port Chalmers – a three-minute drive.
