Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

Maritime Union backs Green Party call for shipping lanes

Maritime Union backs Green Party call for shipping lanes


The Maritime Union is backing the Green Party’s policy to implement compulsory shipping lanes for coastal shipping, announced today.

Compulsory shipping lanes are designated channels in the ocean in which ships are allowed to sail.

Maritime Union National Secretary Joe Fleetwood says the Rena grounding in 2011 has been followed by 35 “near miss” incidents and it is only a matter of time before another grounding occurs.

He says shipping lanes are an important measure to prevent this and exist in a number of maritime nations such as the UK, Norway and Canada.

“The large number of foreign flag of convenience vessels on the New Zealand coast together with the enormous pressure put on ships officers and crews for fast turnaround requires immediate action to prevent a future disaster.”

Mr Fleetwood says the Union believes the shipping lanes policy should be assured under a new Labour–Green Government.

He says the Maritime Union is also supporting the Green Party call for improved oil response capability by Maritime New Zealand.

“An increase in the Oil Pollution Levy on the industry is overdue to properly fund our ability to respond to problems.”

Mr Fleetwood says the Union has been calling for the introduction of a permanent fast response vessel funded by the oil and gas industry.

He says the Maritime Union supports the Green Party’s call for a stronger legal framework to recover costs from polluters in the event of an accidental oil spill.

ENDS

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.