Maritime Union Welcomes $8.3m Boost For Seafarer Training

The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) is celebrating a major policy victory following the Government’s announcement of $8.3 million in funding for seafarer training.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says the $8.3 million boost is the result of a long campaign to rebuild New Zealand’s maritime capability.

He says the outcome was achieved through dedicated advocacy and a joint proposal led by the Union in partnership with the New Zealand Shipping Federation (NZSF) and the New Zealand Marine Transport Association (NZMTA).

The funding, allocated from the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund, will support “training berths” on domestic vessels and will cover trainee wages, course fees, and essential equipment.

This initiative directly reflects the MUNZ proposal to bridge the “sea time” gap that has prevented young New Zealanders from entering the industry.

“For years, we have warned that our ageing maritime workforce and a lack of training spaces were a ticking time bomb for our supply chain resilience. Today, the Government has acted on the solutions we put on the table”.

The project will be unique in its delivery, with MUNZ, the Shipping Federation, and the NZMTA forming a joint panel to identify a pipeline of training berths and assess applications from vessel operators.

“By having a seat at the table in managing this fund, the Union will ensure that this investment translates into careers for Kiwi seafarers under New Zealand law and conditions,” Mr. Findlay says.

Mr Findlay says the restoration of a domestic seafaring workforce is a critical pillar of national resilience, particularly following events like Cyclone Gabrielle, which highlighted the vulnerability of land-based freight.

“We’ve seen that in a crisis, international shipping giants can walk away from our ports at any time. We need our own ships and our own crews to keep New Zealand moving,” says Mr. Findlay.

“This funding is a vital first step in rebuilding the Blue Highway that our island nation depends on.”

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