Source: Maritime New Zealand
Last year Maritime NZ established the New Zealand Seafarer Welfare Council, a body aimed at driving positive change within the seafarer welfare sector. It was created with the help of an advisory group also set up by Maritime NZ.
The council membership is made up of a balance of industry, government, union and service delivery organisations.
The purpose of the council is to provide guidance and leadership to ensure that New Zealand continues to meet its obligations in relation to seafarer welfare under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). The council is also responsible for protecting the welfare of New Zealand seafarers not covered by the MLC. It focuses on strategy and policy and looks at how New Zealand represents itself on the international stage with regards to seafarer welfare.
The council had its first meeting in August 2024 and is currently developing its priorities, which we’ll share on our website as soon as they’re finalised. The council is also strengthening relationships with the Australian Seafarers’ Welfare Council to share learnings, look for joint initiatives, and help address issues more effectively.
If you have any questions, feel free to email the council at [email protected].