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Have you ever wondered how big container ships are up close? How they move in and out of Auckland Harbour or what it takes to unload such a large vessel? There was much excitement when the Girls’ School Year 5 students boarded a Fuller’s ferry to take a Ports of Auckland tour.
As part of their Social Sciences Inquiry into ‘Far Across the Sea’, the students were given the opportunity to view port operations from the Waitemata Harbour and witness first-hand what it takes to move a container ship in and out of the Fergusson Terminal. When the ship was ready to sail, two tug boats attached themselves to the vessel to manoeuvre it away from the terminal. Once it was free of all obstructions, it was cleared to sail to its next destination.
During the hour-long tour, there was live commentary that helped the girls understand the Port’s history, how the port operates, how long a ship can be in dock and the logistics behind imports and exports. They also identified port activity, including points of interest such as the tug boats, container cranes, straddle carriers loading truck, the tank farm and the Viaduct Harbour. To finish off the tour, the girls were taken underneath the Harbour Bridge and then back in around the Viaduct.
During the rest of their inquiry, the girls will be looking at how early Polynesian and British migrations to New Zealand had an impact, understanding how the movement of people affects cultural diversity and interaction in NZ. They will also look at how importing and exporting at the Ports of Auckland has affected economy in Auckland and the country.
Our thanks to the Maritime Museum and the Ports of Auckland for this opportunity. The tour was very insightful and the girls learnt a great deal.