Holcim Axes Kiwi Crew At Christmas – Workers’ Demand Minister Intervene

The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) has condemned global cement giant Holcim after the company issued formal notice of termination for the entire New Zealand crew of the cement carrier MV Buffalo, effective on 28 December 2025.

The Union is renewing its call for Associate Transport Minister James Meager to immediately reject the application for a foreign replacement vessel.

Up to 32 skilled New Zealand seafarers face losing their jobs just before Christmas as Holcim finalises its plan to replace the New Zealand-flagged MV Buffalo with the Panamanian-flagged NACC Vega, crewed by overseas labour on inferior terms and conditions.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says Holcim’s decision is a calculated act to undermine New Zealand’s supply chain resilience.

“This is a blatant attempt to replace skilled Kiwi workers in the transport sector.”

Holcim’s partners, Nova Algoma Cement Carriers (NACC), are seeking a Ministerial authorisation under Section 198 of the Maritime Transport Act that would allow the Panamanian-flagged NACC Vega to operate in New Zealand's domestic coastal trade for up to three years.

“Minister Meager holds the power to stop these jobs being axed, and he must use it,” Mr Findlay says.

“New Zealand seafarers are willing and able to do this work.”

Mr Findlay says an exemption will undermine New Zealand’s maritime capability by replacing an experienced domestic crew with a transient foreign workforce.

“A decision to allow this would go against recent government rhetoric regarding employer accreditation and the requirement to prioritize New Zealand workers.”

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