29/09/2026
Reflections on a quarter century at Port of Auckland
After a distinguished 25 years working at Port of Auckland, Matua Paul White is transitioning into the next phase of his career. We sat down with him to chat about his journey.
When did you start at the Port, and what was your first role?
My Port journey began on 6 November 2001 as a casual lasher. I already had a Monday-to-Friday job, so while others were winding down for the weekend, I was heading to the wharf.
What began as extra work became a career that has shaped much of my life.
By April 2002, I was driving straddles on a Permanent 24—or P24—contract, guaranteeing 24 hours a week. It was the beginning of a journey I could never have imagined.
Where has your leadership journey taken you over those 25 years?
It started with discovering how much I enjoyed helping others learn. I took leave from work to become an NZCTU Learning Rep, supporting workmates to access training and develop their skills.
That opened up a new direction. In 2009, I became an Operational Performance Coach, later moving into a Performance Specialist role. Along the way, I qualified as a MITO Industry Assessor and Mentor—one of only three in the country at the time.
Cultural Advisor responsibilities were added to my role in 2017, and by 2018 I was a Crew Coach, or Kaiārahi. In 2020, I moved into a Risk Advisor role before taking up the Māori Outcomes portfolio.
From lashing to learning, coaching to culture, the common thread has always been people. Each role gave me another way to support others, build confidence and help create opportunities.
What advice would you give young Māori entering the industry—or your younger self starting out?
Some of the best advice I received when considering a career move was: “Picture yourself in the role two years from now.”
That has stayed with me. When I wondered whether I could do a job, it helped me imagine the person I could become with time, learning and experience. I could see myself thriving, and that gave me the confidence to take the next step.
To young Māori and Pasifika entering our industry, I would say: be willing to learn, ask questions and back yourself. Your identity, your experiences and your perspective have value. You don’t need to have your whole career mapped out on day one. Make a start and give yourself room to grow.
What has made you proudest during your time at the Port?
The proudest moments have been creating space for people to grow and then witnessing that growth.
Seeing someone gain confidence, recognise their own ability or step into an opportunity they once thought was beyond them—that is incredibly rewarding.
There have been many of those moments over the years, and I never get tired of the feeling. They are what makes work meaningful for me.
What’s next in your leadership journey?
I’m excited about developing my consultancy, Kōtui Cultural Solutions (https://www.kotuisolutions.co.nz/), connecting industry, culture and people.
It brings together the experience I’ve gained across industry training, cultural support and people engagement. It also gives me the opportunity to continue the work I enjoy most: helping people build confidence, strengthen their skills and move forward.
After 25 years at the Port, I have plenty to reflect on—and plenty still to contribute.
