Kim Daine likens logistics to juggling.
“When people ask what I do for a job, I respond ‘I’m a professional juggler’,” laughs Port Taranaki’s cargo and wharf services manager, who leads a mooring and cargo team of 20 across operations that run 24/7.
“That’s what I do, there are so many areas to consider – shipping schedules, cargo movements, rosters, fatigue … the brain never stops. It’s really important to work as a team across planning and operations to ensure we are streamlined and working safely.”
Kim has been a mainstay in the port operations area for the past 15 years.
Originally from Whakatane, she moved to Taranaki and milked cows before getting her teeth into logistics as Tegel warehouse manager, distributing chicken throughout the North Island and into the South.
After 20 years of service, broken by having children, she joined Port Taranaki in 2008 as the Blyde Container Terminal supervisor.
As systems have changed, and trade has come and gone, Kim has transitioned to her current role.
“I amalgamated the cargo and mooring teams, transitioning guys from mooring to cargo duties. I’ve also overseen changes in mooring procedures that I’m quite proud of, such as our ShoreTension system, which has massively improved safety.”
Kim’s also a fine juggler outside of work, finding time for her three adult children, three grandchildren – with another on the way – her 70kg rottweiler Tāne, and her Harley-Davidson motorbike.
“I’ve also got a pushbike, which I like to ride. So life’s busy, but I like it like that.”
What does your role involve?
I lead a team that provides a raft of services across the business – mooring operations, ship-side services, lifting operations using our cranes, Hiabs, and other lifting devices, to name a few. I also have overarching responsibility for the operational side of the dry bulk, project cargo and log businesses. Another key aspect is managing MPI and NZ Customs requirements for cargo movements.
What do you like about it?
Every day is different and I like to be busy and to work under a little bit of pressure. I really enjoy the teamwork environment and working with other businesses in the port.
What are the challenges?
Shipping and shipping activity is fluid, so the key is to make sure the team have everything they need to do the best and safest job. We want everyone to go home safely every day – that’s my No 1 focus.
