May 17, 2025

Port of Wellington

Time for lid to be lifted on fishing industry disgrace

The Maritime Union says the shipjumping of eight Indonesians in Wellington from the fishing vessel ‘San Liberatore’ was entirely predictable as the ship had a history of problems.

Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says the Union had to intervene on two occasions this year when overseas crew members on the ‘San Liberatore’ were being made to do waterfront work normally done by New Zealand workers.

“There have been Government reports saying there is abuse going on aboard these fishing vessels in New Zealand waters – why don’t we put the spotlight on the companies operating these vessels, rather than the workers?”

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Time to expose conditions of overseas crews on New Zealand coast

The Maritime Union says the weekend incident when a group of Chinese fishermen jumped overboard in Wellington Harbour should be setting alarm bells ringing.

Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says the incident is just one of a continuous series of ship jumping and problems experienced by crew onboard foreign and joint venture fishing boats.

“The Maritime Union has been continually pointing out that there is something badly wrong as overseas crews are being subjected to abuse and exploitation while they are in New Zealand waters, and even New Zealand ports.”

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