Auckland Council has made it clear the Ports of Auckland board needs to clean up its act or face consequences.

A review commissioned after three deaths in three years and a series of other safety incidents, has found systemic problems.

Felicity Caird of the Institute of Directors told Kate Hawkesby it's a situation where the Council is just explaining its expectations.

"Boards are appointed by the shareholders and having clarity about what they need to do is normal." 

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