Thanks Janet. I am interested in the proposal but it has to be in Port Otago\'s long term interest. Remember Port Otago owns 15% of the Lyttleton Port Company

Awaiting response

Yes, I do support an operational merger between the ports of Lyttelton and Port Chalmers. I would not support any wider form of merger involving loss of ownership of Port Otago Ltd by the people of Otago. I personally don\'t think the merger discussions as they stand are going anywhere, perhaps because of the earthquake damage at Lyttelton. I would support wider public involvement in any ongoing discussions, only if that was the wish of the board of Port Otago Ltd. They are running a highly commercial and competitive business, very well indeed. The council is at arms length from the board\'s governance of the business, and that is how it should be unless there is any proposal which would see our ownership at risk.

Thank you for your question.

I do not have a personal view on the Otago and Lyttelton Port merger - given the locality it is not something that i have personally investigated the details of, however should i live or work in the area it would be something i would investigate thoroughly.  I recommend that this question should be directed to the Local Ward and Board candidates of your area. Regards.