9 Sep 2020

Ports of Auckland worker who died was father of seven

7:10 pm on 9 September 2020

The Ports of Auckland employee who died on 30 August in a workplace accident was a father of seven.

Auckland, New Zealand - May 25, 2017:  Aerial view of the port of Auckland New Zealand.

Photo: 123RF

At the time, Ports of Auckland said the man, who was a stevedore, was fatally injured while working on a ship at Fergusson Container Terminal.

In a statement today from Auckland Council's Pasifika councillors Fa'anana Efeso Collins, Josephine Bartley, and Alf Filipaina said they were deeply saddened by the death of Pala'amo Kalati.

"Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of Mr Kalati as they cope with the tragic loss of their loved one," they said.

"Pasifika workers make up large numbers of the manual labour workforce and we feel compelled to advocate for their safety while at work. We support all appropriate investigations that will give clarity to this heartbreaking incident.

"Most importantly, we want the family of Mr Kalati to know we hold them in our hearts and our prayers."

Maritime New Zealand will lead a health and safety investigation because the accident happened on a ship.

Earlier, police had said WorkSafe had also been advised.