Our People: Malcolm Walker

After 18 years as a Lines Supervisor at LPC, Malcolm Walker isn’t entirely sure what he is going to do on his first day of retirement.

And while he says it will be strange not being at LPC, he is looking forward to this next chapter.

Malcolm was one of the first Lines Supervisors at LPC when it became a permanent position in 2005.

Since then, he has supported the tying up and letting go of the vessels that come to the port.

“With health and safety regulations becoming more prominent, a busier port and larger ships, it meant a permanent position was created,” says Malcolm.

“It’s a big responsibility keeping everyone safe and there’s more to the job than you think.”

Marine Planning Manager Chris Woods says Malcolm has made a tremendous contribution to the LPC business across the various roles he has held over many years in the Port.

“His vast lines experience and the coaching he has provided new staff including me, will be sorely missed,” says Chris.

“I’ve appreciated the support and can-do attitude as a delegate which has led to some great achievements we’ve collectively made within the Lines Supervisors team.”

Lines Supervisors work in pairs, and Malcolm has worked with Steve for the past 11 years.

“Some people say we’re like an old married couple, but I love the comradery here,” says Malcolm.

Finishing at the end of April, he has worked in the harbour with various companies and roles since he immigrated here from England in 1987.

“Originally, I worked on the Peraki dredge for four years, back when the Port had its own dredge. I also worked for Pacifica Shipping and C3,” says Malcolm.

“I was doing casual work, that’s how it worked back then, whoever wanted me first, that’s where I would go.”

Some of the other jobs Malcom has held include collecting rubbish from visiting vessels for the incinerator, lashing on container vessels, and a general hand for civil maintenance.

“One of the highlights here was joining the civil team and getting to paint the lighthouse in the harbour in 2004,” says Malcolm.

“It took me three weeks to do it and people used to wave to me as they came across on the Diamond Harbour ferry – I was really proud of that.”

Living in Lyttelton since he first moved here, the harbour was a natural fit for Malcolm.

“I’ve been a seaman all my life – I joined the British Merchant Navy at 16,” says Malcolm.

“My mother wanted me to get a trade but I couldn’t work in a factory, I needed to be outside. My father was also in the Navy during WWII.”

Starting as a deckboy, Malcolm spent the next 14 years travelling the world.

“My favourite place I got to visit was Africa. Growing up in an industrial town in Lancaster, going to Africa was a whole new world,” says Malcolm.

But it was his trips to New Zealand that made him move here.

“I first came to New Zealand with the Navy in 1969 and then twice more after that,” says Malcolm.

“I just fell in love with it – I remember being here on a Spring morning and the air was just so crisp and clean.”

Now in his retirement, Malcolm is looking forward to finding new things to do.

“I have a four-month-old Jack Russell named Eddie who will keep me busy,” says Malcolm.

“I’m an avid reader and play a bit of golf too when the back allows.”

Family is also very important and looking forward to spending more time with his wife of 40 years, daughter and two grandchildren.

“It’s going to be great not having to check the roster to see if I can spend time with them,” says Malcolm.

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