Auckland Mayor Phil Goff is refusing to express confidence in the chief executive or leadership of the Ports of Auckland, following major delays clearing cargo and a spate of serious accidents, including deaths. The port says Covid-19 and interruptions to supply chains worldwide have contributed to its problems, but it concedes staff shortages and problems with its automated unloading system are also to blame. Last week it was fined more than half a million dollars for its role in the death of a man who was crushed when the straddle carrier he was driving toppled over.