AUCKLAND: Avtar Singh Tehna
The Punjabi language has earned honour at Ports of Auckland, which became New Zealand's first port to start loading of trucks and trailers completely through computer operated machines.
Accepting the demand of Punjabi speaking drivers, the port management has decided to display the instructions at the port in Punjabi language by adding Punjabi language in computers.
The decision will help Punjabi speaking drivers who don't have command over English language.
As per information, the work on loading the trucks - trailers through automatic machines has started at port on trial basis. The work has been getting delayed due to some reasons. Half of loading work will be done through automated machines while the rest will be done using machines operated by drivers.
Besides Punjabi, instructions at automated machines are being provided through 'English, Maori, Hindi and Chinese' languages.
Transporter Jagdeep Singh told that since lot of Punjabi people work as drivers at the port, transporters had requested port management to provide instructions at automated machines in Punjabi language also, which has been accepted.
He said the decision will benefit the Punjabi speaking drivers who are new in New Zealand or are not proficient in English language.
Another transport Lakhwinder Singh Lucky said decision will help Punjabi drivers as in mother tongue they will be able to learn many other things.
This is one of the most important ports in Auckland, which is the biggest city in New Zealand. The goods brought through ships at the port are transported to other places in New Zealand in trucks and trailers.