| 29 T T Karen Phelps Unlocking coastal regions’ potential The ship’s capacity is impressive with Andrea saying that one ship-load of material is the equivalent of 230 trucks. Westland Mineral Sands REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT T T to page 30 The arrival of the WMS Group’s (WMS) Manahau ship marks a significant milestone for the West Coast and New Zealand’s coastal shipping network, says Andrea Manley, chief operating officer of WMS Group. The Manahau recently arrived at Buller Port. “The Manahau is a game-changer enabling import, export, and domestic shipment access to coastal communities with shallower waters,” Andrea explains. “In addition to exporting mineral sands from our operations, it will be utilised by other organisations to move bulk goods like aggregates and hard rock around the country.” The ship’s capacity is impressive with Andrea saying that one ship-load of material is the equivalent of 230 trucks. This efficiency will not only reduce transport emissions, but also alleviates pressure on New Zealand’s roading infrastructure. The benefits extend beyond West Coast logistics. The Manahau unlocks previously stranded assets in coastal communities (resources that previously couldn’t be sold domestically or exported due to limited transport and shipping options), delivers critical commodities to national infrastructure projects, provides greater access to international markets for bulk product exporters, and supports government access to coastal communities during emergencies. WMS has grown from a start-up to employing 70-plus full-time staff, with 20 people hired in shipping and logistics alone. Andrea says this job creation is a significant boost to the local economy. Natural Resources Natural Resources We’re proud to support Westland Mineral Sands
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