At just 26, operations planner Kurt Biesiek already has an integral role in the day-to-day operations of Port Taranaki, and has a big future ahead of him.
Four years ago, after dabbling in upholstery, education and even a brief stint studying law, Kurt found work as a casual weighbridge operator at Port Taranaki.
Over time, his potential was recognised and a new, fulltime senior weighbridge operator role was created, during which he was given intensive training about log operations.
Next, he moved to a new operations co-ordinator role, where the primary responsibilities were the weighbridge, its staffing and invoicing, and providing support across the operations department, particularly logs and dry bulk cargo.
Having provided cover for the operations planner role in the past, an internal promotion meant the position became vacant, prompting Kurt to put his name forward.
His abilities and willingness to learn and progress were rewarded, and he now has the key role of planning the arrival, mooring and departure of all the vessels that come to port.
This involves being in constant contact with ships’ agents, stevedores, and internal marine and operations teams.
“I’m the air traffic controller of the port,” Kurt laughs. “It involves juggling demands and conflicts of timing. Shipping is very changeable and dynamic, so it’s never boring.”
He credits Port Taranaki’s willingness to back youth, provide plenty of training, and the opportunity to progress.
“Port Taranaki has been supportive and encouraging – they gave someone with no qualifications and without much of a CV an opportunity and I’ve been supported throughout. I’m very lucky and very, very grateful.
“They’re good at recognising that even though you’re young, you’re capable of doing the job and developing further – a lot of places wouldn’t do that.
“I’ve been well supported by the people I’ve reported to throughout my time at Port Taranaki. The port has been great at exposing me to different parts of the business, and I’m part of an excellent team.”
