Auckland harbors ‘absolutely devastated’ after father of seven dies in container tragedy

Ports of Auckland staff are absolutely devastated and deeply affected by the death of a colleague who was killed by a container aboard a ship last week, the organization says.

The father of seven, Palaamo Kalati, 31, has been named as the man who died in the incident, now the focus of an investigation.

Kalati, a flogger, died around 2 am on Sunday August 30 on a ship at the Fergusson Container Terminal.

“We are all absolutely devastated by the death of a member of our whānau port, Pala’amo (Amo) Kalati last Sunday morning. Our love and prayers go out to his family and friends, and we will continue with them to give our “Ports of Auckland posted today on its Facebook page.

“We are a great whānau here in the port, so everyone is deeply affected by what happened. All of our staff have been offered access to advisory services, which will be available for as long as needed.”

The post said the organization cares deeply about the safety and well-being of staff.

“In recent years there has been a lot of effort to make the port a safer place to work, which makes this event even more painful. We fully support the official investigation of this incident to find out what went wrong,” said the Auckland City Hall. -said the owning entity.

Although it will provide some support to the family, the organization said those who wish to help the Kalati family can do so through a Givealittle page that has been created by the brother of the late wharfie’s wife.

The death is being investigated by Maritime NZ instead of WorkSafe because the incident occurred on board a ship.

Ports of Auckland had previously said that it would not comment on the circumstances of the incident as an investigation was underway.

Kalati was affectionately known as Master by his friends and was a member of the Bay Roskill Rugby League Premier team in 2012.

The club said on its Facebook page that he was a player who “played very hard” and who always “gave everything.”

“He will be remembered for his smile and his courtesy.”

Pt Chevalier Pirates, a family Rugby League club, described Kalati as a devoted family man.

“His cheeky sense of humor, big smile and even bigger heart will be truly missed,” the club said on its Facebook page.

Kalati would reluctantly referee matches as he hated the extra attention, he said.

“After the games I had something to say (like) ‘So you guys think I’m ready for NRL next week,’ or ‘I know I’m the most handsome referee you’ve ever seen,” the club’s post read.

“Love we all will miss seeing you and hearing your witty jokes.”

Kalati is survived by his wife Dro and their children Jairus, Mischa, Azra, Braxton, Sarai, Iman, and Kalais.