Kaikoura slip shows the importance of coastal shipping
The rundown of New Zealand coastal shipping is threatening New Zealand’s capability to deal with the social and economic fallout from natural disasters.
Read MoreMaritime Union of New Zealand
Representing New Zealand maritime workers since 2002
coastal shipping
Biosecurity busting bugs have an open door with international shipping
The Maritime Union of New Zealand says it warned for years that opening New Zealand coastal and trans-Tasman shipping to international carriers would create biosecurity risks from exotic pests.
Read MoreMaritime workers support Prison Officers protest against privatization
The Maritime Union of New Zealand is supporting the Corrections Association in their protest today against prison privatization at the opening of Parliament.
Maritime Union of New Zealand General Secretary Joe Fleetwood says the safety and security of workers comes before cost cutting measures, and the Government has lost the plot in its prisons policies.
Overseas trade endangered unless New Zealand has a maritime strategy
The Maritime Union of New Zealand says that New Zealand’s overseas trade could be in jeopardy unless the Government has a plan for ports and the maritime sector.
Maritime Union General Secretary Joe Fleetwood, responding to comments from the Minister of Transport Hon. Stephen Joyce, says it is not good enough for the Government to leave it to chance when 99% of New Zealand’s imports and exports are shipped.
He says that there is widespread concern in the industry that in future cargo could be hubbed through a large Australian port, with complex and negative effects for New Zealand.
Read MoreLack of plan for maritime industry a serious problem
Maritime Union of New Zealand General Secretary Joe Fleetwood says recent statements from Minister of Transport Stephen Joyce and retiring Pacifica Shipping Chief Executive Rod Grout on New Zealand ports and shipping show the need for immediate action in the maritime industry.
Mr Fleetwood says it is incorrect for the National Government to say they want market forces decide the future of the maritime industry, when massive taxpayer investment was directed at roads and rail.
He says that a “hands off” approach to the maritime industry means major market players would dominate the market and make decisions that could harm New Zealand’s transport infrastructure.
Read MoreTimaru port meeting resounding success
Over 100 local people attended a Timaru public meeting on the future of the port of Timaru on Thursday 17 September.
The meeting was called by the Maritime Union of New Zealand following a decision last month by Fonterra to stop exports from the port of Timaru, which has resulted in a massive loss of work for the port.
Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says the meeting was a success.
Read MoreTimaru meeting to defend port gathers steam
Today’s Timaru Herald features the Timaru public meeting this Thursday 17 September as their lead story.
Read MoreAnswers needed on KiwiRail – Fonterra deal
Cartoon courtesy of the Shipping Gazette
The Maritime Union has stepped up its demand for answers as fallout continues from Fonterra’s dumping of regional ports in favour of long distance rail – and the influence that state subsidies to KiwiRail may have had on any deal.
KiwiRail has waded into the growing debate over the fate of regional ports, as the implications of Fonterra’s withdrawal from ports in New Plymouth and Timaru becomes apparent.
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