Maritime NZ has filed charges against Ports of Auckland Ltd (POAL) and former chief executive Tony Gibson in relation to the death of a port worker almost a year ago.
Pala’amo (Amo) Kalati was killed on August 30, 2020 after being crushed when a container was dropped during a lifting operation.
POAL has been charged under sections 47, 48 and 90 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
Gibson has been charged under sections 48 and 49 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
RNZ confirmed Gibson has been charged over the incident and has employed John Billington QC to represent him.
It is the first time a chief executive from a company of POAL’s size has been charged under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
The charges have been filed in the Auckland District Court and a court date is yet to be set.
Kalati’s death was among three at the port in recent years and led to Auckland Council commissioning an independent report into the ports’ health and safety record and processes.
Two of those who died were staff and one was a member of the public swimming in the harbour.
In March, Auckland mayor Phil Goff said the review found a need for significant improvement at Ports of Auckland to ensure that its approach to health and safety reflects the level of risk inherent in port operations.
Gibson announced his resignation in May and said he had been subject to “persistent and sometimes personal attacks” during recent months.
