Joshua Nelsen-Waiwiri has joined NSS as one of five new permanent stevedores.
Joshua has been working as a casual stevedore since 2018, so he already has a solid feel for how things run on the port.
He said the good pay, solid working conditions, the chance to go full time and the camaraderie were all big reasons to be a part of the industry.
“We’ve had some great stevedores retire this year, and they were people I really looked up to,” he said.
“Just how they talk about it, how they go about their jobs and how proud they are of what they’ve achieved in the industry. That led me to be what I wanted to be today, what I do want to be in the future as well.
“They had a big part in me even deciding to go permanent. They encouraged me, saying ‘apply for it, you are one of the blokes that are going to be the next generation of this industry’.
“I’m hoping I can inspire the newer and current stevedores to stick with it and aim high too.”
Joshua also talked about the variety of the job, mentioning the defence exercise Talisman Sabre earlier in the year.
“I was a Dogman, directing the crane and dealing with the loads on the ground. I even got to spend a few shifts up on the crane.
“I discharged and loaded a ship, which was pretty daunting. Knowing the gear was going straight to the army made me really focus on doing everything right. It was an awesome experience. NSS was able to be a part of it in all aspects.
“I actually enjoy the pressure. It doesn’t make me overthink it makes me feel alive. Having that level of control and responsibility is what drives me to do the job well.”
Joshua is 35 and has four kids with his partner – three daughters aged six, eight and 14, and a two year-old son. “They’re a huge part of why I want to do well in this industry. I’m hoping one day my daughter and son might even join me,” he said.