August 17, 2026

Maritime Union of New Zealand

Representing New Zealand maritime workers since 2002

Rail buyback on the right track

The Maritime Union says the buyback of rail and ferries is a good step towards rebuilding a top quality transport system in New Zealand.

Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says the move is positive for New Zealand, and should have been done a long time ago.

“The only regret is that we have now had a generation where this vital part of our infrastructure has been first asset stripped then unsuccessfully operated by global corporations interested in shareholder profit, not for what is good for New Zealand.”

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“Productivity dividend” required to distribute wealth

The Maritime Union has called for a “productivity dividend” from employers to spread the wealth created by new technology in the workplace.

Maritime Union of New Zealand General Secretary Trevor Hanson says that the growing use of automated technology in the workplace could have harmful effects in a recession unless the profits were shared.

He says that unless the productivity gains of new technologies are distributed throughout society, especially to displaced workers, it would result in social catastrophe.

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Fisheries Minister throwing New Zealand jobs to the sharks

The Maritime Union has slammed comments by Fisheries Minister Phil Heatley about employment in New Zealand’s fishing industry, and say they make a bad joke out of the Government’s commitment to protect jobs.
Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says Mr Heatley has publicly admitted that New Zealand jobs are not a priority in the New Zealand fishing industry.

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New Zealand should follow Aussie lead on job protection

The Maritime Union says the New South Wales State Government could teach John Key one or two things about protecting jobs.

Nearly $4 billion worth of NSW government goods and services including uniforms, cars and even trains, will have to be sourced from Australian companies in order to boost local production and jobs, in an upcoming budget annoucement that has been welcomed by Australian unions.

Maritime Union of New Zealand General Secretary Trevor Hanson says this idea should be adopted immediately in New Zealand.

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Employers must pay for swine flu quarantines

The Maritime Union will be asking employers to pay workers sent home due to swine flu quarantines.

Maritime Union of New Zealand General Secretary Trevor Hanson says maritime workers are in the front line and are an at risk group for exposure to infectious diseases coming into the country.

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Maritime workers back locked out flight attendants

Maritime Union supports flight attendant picket in Wellington

The Maritime Union is backing locked out flight attendants employed by Air New Zealand subsidiary Zeal 320.

Maritime Union of New Zealand General Secretary Trevor Hanson says waterfront workers and seafarers supported protests by locked out workers in Auckland and Wellington today.

“The Maritime Union will give full and active support to our fellow transport workers and their union the EPMU in this dispute.”

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Budget takes New Zealand transport down the wrong road

The Maritime Union says the budget announced today is a step backward for transport infrastructure.

Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says the lack of support for the maritime industry is a glaring omission.

Mr Hanson says the abandonment of the SeaChange strategy to build up New Zealand shipping in favour of building more roads is a bad mistake.

“The Government has poured money into roading as the world hits peak oil and climate change. They are moving in exactly the wrong direction. Shipping is the transport mode of the future that is low-impact, environmentally responsible and cost effective in the long term, but has been sidelined.”

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