The Government's taking action to grow New Zealand's ageing seafarer workforce and improve its supply-chain resilience, through a major investment in training opportunities for those entering the industry, Associate Transport Minister James Meager has announced.
"Our local seafaring industry is under significant pressure. Many experienced seafarers are nearing retirement, and strong competition from international shipping, combined with thin margins make it difficult for Kiwi operators to train replacements," Mr Meager says.
"These ongoing issues are threatening the long-term resilience of our coastal freight services. That's why we've committed $8.3 million from the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund to trainee places on ships (known as training berths).
"This support will significantly ease financial pressures on domestic vessel operators training the workforce of tomorrow. It means they can cover things like trainees' wages, food and travel, course costs and PPE equipment.
"We've seen how recent storms and major events like Cyclone Gabrielle significantly impact communities. In many cases the only way to deliver essential supplies is by sea, due to road and rail links being cut off.
"However, those vessels can only operate if they have skilled, qualified seafarers, engineers and deck officers to staff them. Training capacity is being severely constrained by the number of berths available.
"Maritime schools can provide the required vocational training, but without training berths for sea time, trainees can't enter the workforce. Time at sea is often a requirement for other roles in the maritime sector such as port pilots, tug operators, harbourmasters and ship surveyors.
"Building a home-grown supply of talent will not only support coastal shipping, but the wider maritime sector that underpins New Zealand's local and national economy. It will ensure we can move our goods around the country, particularly in a time of crisis.
"This yet another example of our Government's dedication to fixing the basics and building the future of New Zealand."
