They might come from different backgrounds, but their equalled drive for development and growth is leading to professional success and helping shape Port Taranaki’s future.
Ben Martin, 41, and Amy Wilson, 40, have recently taken up important new roles at the port – Ben as business development manager and Amy as operations manager marine.
Having shown enthusiasm to learn and an appetite to be challenged, both have risen through Port Taranaki, taking advantage of the port’s strategy to develop its own people and invest time in their professional growth to create a strong, experienced, multi-skilled and well-rounded team.
“I take the view that if we’re not learning we risk stagnating. And I want to keep learning,” says Ben, who has moved from operations, as marine manager, to commercial, in the newly created role developing new lines of business for the port.
Amy agrees, having progressed from an administrator position three years ago to, now, a management role overseeing a team of 20.
“It’s easy to get stuck in your own lane, but it’s much more interesting when you stick your hand up and get involved in things. This leads to more opportunities.”
In her new position of operations manager marine, Amy is responsible for the management of the tugs and launch teams, and the marine pilots.
“A large part of the role is people management, including rostering – making sure the teams are running smoothly so they can make the critical decisions for the port’s operations.”
It’s been a circuitous journey for Amy, who has always had a focus on learning and improving.
“I had my two daughters when I was relatively young, and I was passionate about being home with them and not missing out on those early years. But I still wanted to grow, so I became involved with a few committees, got stuck in, and learned a lot.”
Jobs in banking and retail management followed, while at the same time she completed a Bachelor of Applied Management.
“I’ve been very lucky – Port Taranaki has been really supportive providing opportunities and training to progress. While here I’ve completed a Certificate in Port Management, and I’m about to start a Diploma in Port Management.
“The new position is exciting. I don’t necessarily have the depth of marine knowledge that others previously in this role have had, so it’s fantastic the team are happy to support me and teach me. In return, I try to look after them and make sure that their workplace is a safe, happy place.”
Ben is playing a leading role as Port Taranaki searches for new business opportunities as the types of trade across the wharves changes, in particular the reduction in oil and gas products, and the possibility for liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, business improvement, and offshore operations, among others.
“The commercial team needed extra help to develop new lines of business, so my job is to go and hunt new commercial opportunities – from identifying an opportunity for the port and developing relationships with potential clients, through to working internally and externally to realise the opportunity and executing contracts,” Ben says.
Ben came to Port Taranaki via the Royal New Zealand Navy, having had a busy career navigating vessels and leading the navy bomb disposal and diving team as a navy diver. His final role with the navy was as commander of HMNZS Otago.
Wanting to settle down with his young family, he secured the fleet manager position at Port Taranaki, then was seconded into a temporary general manager operations position, before becoming marine manager. During his time at Port Taranaki, he has also completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and is in the process of training to be a marine pilot.
“It’s really exciting to change from the operations to commercial team, I am enjoying bringing a different perspective to the team.
“There are great opportunities for Port Taranaki on the horizon and I’m passionate about the region, so I’m keen to help it grow, develop and continue to play a key role in Taranaki.”
