An Auckland councillor has called for the boards of directors at Ports of Auckland and the council agency which controls it to be sacked.
The port has made 300 watersiders redundant following eight months of talks aimed at resolving a dispute over a collective contract.
Ports of Auckland is wholly owned by the Auckland Council and operated through Auckland Council Investments Limited.
Cathy Casey says the employment dispute is becoming increasingly bitter.
"I would like to see an end to the current board of directors at the Ports of Auckland; I'd also like to see an end to the current board of directors at Auckland Council Investments Limited", she said.
"They are not in control of the ports - so if they're not in control, then we're not in control. Let's wipe the slate clean and start all over again."
Ms Casey says the council shares the blame for the current situation because it insisted its dividend from the port be doubled from 6% to 12%.
That requirement should be removed and the Auckland mayor should step in as a mediator in the employment dispute, she says.
Another councillor Sandra Coney, who was also at the march, agrees that the council cannot continue its hands-off approach.
