Customer Event - Resilience in the Supply Chain

At a recent customer event, QuayConnect hosted a panel discussion with the theme ‘resilience in the supply chain’ and invited representatives to speak from ANL/CMA/CGM, WineWorks, Marlborough Wine, Central Express and Port Nelson.  

Our panel of speakers included:  

• Gary Carter - GM, ANL & CMA CGM
• Marcus Pickens - GM, Wine Marlborough
• Peter Crowe - CEO, WineWorks
• Jason Millar - Owner, Central Express
• Hugh Morrison - CEO, Port Nelson

Supply chain resilience has been a key focus after recent events including a global pandemic and disastrous flooding events in the upper south and north island, resulting in volatile shipping schedules, equipment shortages, and a labour shortage. For the top of the south, there were additional difficulties faced due to the road closures from the August 2022 floods. These events have highlighted the importance of a resilient New Zealand supply chain. 

At the event, the discussion with our panel of experts resulted in the following key themes:

• The labour market remains tight and attracting and retaining key people is a focus
• Offshore recruitment programs are starting up again now we are through the worst of the pandemic
• The RSE (Registered Seasonal Workers) are key to making up the seasonal workforce in the primary sector
• Investment is being made in smart technology, automation and continuous improvement in plant and equipment throughout the supply chain to increase resilience – this includes investment in new containers from the lines
• Congestion in New Zealand ports is forecast to ease in 2023 with the return to berth windows at Auckland, Tauranga and Lyttelton – fingers crossed this is right!
• Sustainability is front and centre for the major players in the supply chain – not only is there investment being made in smarter ways to do things, but making sure these are also less harmful on the environment.

We look forward to hosting our next customer event in July.