REEF Shipping is surprised to learn that a decision is pending to grant an exclusive licence to carry cargo between New Zealand and Ha'apai and Vava'u in Tonga.

Reef has provided a comprehensive, fully containerized service between Auckland and Vava'u since 1991. It currently uses the ship MV Forum Pacific, which calls into Vava'u every three weeks or so. Reef has received no notification from the Tongan Government of concerns at the level of service it has provided to Vava'u in recent times; it has never been asked to make any submissions on its exclusion from the trade; and, despite information circulating locally in Tonga, no-one from any Tongan Government agency has yet contacted Reef to advise the current status of Reef's longstanding service.

Reef understands that the granting of an exclusive licence to JAWS Shipping would also exclude Pacific Forum Line (in which the Tongan Government holds shares on behalf of the people of Tonga). PFL also currently provides a service to Vava'u, sharing space on MV Forum Pacific.

Reef will be extremely disappointed if the reports turn out to be accurate. For twenty years Reef has provided a service to the people of Vava'u, through good times and bad. It has always done its best to provide good customer service. It has always responded in times of need, diverting ships to cope with times of crisis or shortage, such as when tropical cyclones have hit Vava'u or when the 2009 tsunami struck the Niua's. Over many years it has carried disaster relief, aid and charitable cargo to Vava'u free of charge.

Reef is also very concerned at the possible impact on its local agent, Salesi Kauvaka and his staff. Salesi and his team have worked tirelessly for many years to look after importers on Vava'u and delivery of their goods. If Reef's service is excluded, Salesi and his employees may lose their jobs and livelihoods.

Reef hopes that the opportunity to go on serving the people of Vava'u will not be arbitrarily taken away from it by the Tongan Government, without any prior consultation or opportunity to argue its case.

Phillip McNicholl
Managing Director
Reef Shipping Limited

JohnG [at] reefship [dot] co [dot] nz ( JohnG [at] reefship [dot] co [dot] nz)