Maritime Union welcomes support for coastal shipping and port protection ahead of election

AUCKLAND — The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) has welcomed policy support from Labour, the Green Party, and the Alliance for a significant overhaul of Aotearoa’s shipping industry. According to a report from Waatea News on Monday, 26 October 2026, the union is advocating for the rebuilding of a New Zealand-crewed coastal fleet and the protection of public ownership for the nation's ports. With the general election scheduled for 7 November, the union recently conducted a survey of political parties to gauge commitment to five key proposals. National Secretary Carl Findlay stated that rebuilding coastal shipping is essential for the country’s economic resilience and the future of the maritime workforce. Labour, the Greens, and the Alliance provided supportive responses to these priorities, which include strengthening employment conditions for maritime workers and creating a National Ports Strategy. MUNZ argues that a stronger domestic shipping sector will improve supply chain security and reduce reliance on overseas companies. The union noted that coastal shipping offers a lower-emissions freight option and could serve as a vital alternative when road and rail networks are damaged by natural disasters. Furthermore, the union is calling for New Zealand wages and employment laws to apply more broadly to international vessels operating in local waters to ensure fair competition. The future of coastal shipping and port management also holds significant implications for Māori economic development. According to Waatea News, reliable shipping connections support iwi involved in fisheries, seafood processing, logistics, and regional exports. By fostering a coordinated national freight network rather than having ports compete for investment, the union believes the industry can support the long-term viability of regional ports and the communities that rely on them.