Fonterra is indefinitely moving its export shipping operation away from the Ports of Auckland to be jointly run from the ports of Tauranga and Napier.

The service change, worth about $27m worth of weekly trade, begins at the end of January and is set for an indefinite period.

Ports of Auckland chief executive Tony Gibson says the move is directly related to the threat of ongoing strike action at the port by the Maritime Union of New Zealand – Local 13.

'With MUNZ threatening further strike action, it is inevitable that customers will look for alternatives and contingencies – shippers need certainty and reliable service.”

Noting that the port had not had any response from MUNZ to its last three offers, Tony says it is now time for action, not words.

'The port is willing to continue mediation with MUNZ, but only when we receive a formal response to our latest offer, the ninth since negotiations began in August.

'Following Fonterra's decision, I have today advised the union that this is our best and final offer.

'It includes a generous 10 per cent rise on hourly rates, performance bonuses of up to 20 per cent on hourly rates and the retention of existing benefits and entitlements in return for a new roster system that will provide increased operational flexibility while allowing workers to plan their rosters a month in advance.

'Coupled with the departure of Maersk's Southern Star service to Port of Tauranga, the loss of Fonterra's business means that action is needed urgently.”

Further strike action is planned at the Ports of Auckland for a 48-hour period between Monday, January 9 and Wednesday, January 11.