New Zealand: ‘Deeply concerning’: Seafarers ask MPs for support in fight to retain jobs

‘Deeply concerning’: Seafarers ask MPs for support in fight to retain jobs
Brooke Black October 14, 2025 https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360853267/deeply-concerning-seafarers...

Seafarers who face losing their jobs to foreign labour, want the Government to oppose applications for a new foreign-owned vessel and crew to operate in New Zealand waters and introduce laws to protect Kiwi workers.

Seafarer, and Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) MV Buffalo representative, Hector Thorpe said, the crew of the Holcim owned cement carrier were writing to MPs around the country asking for help.

“Our captain, officers, engineers, catering and seafarers are facing the imminent loss of our jobs, as the replacement shipping company, Nova, is seeking Government approval to crew the vessel with foreign workers instead of New Zealand seafarers,” Thorpe said.

“This situation is deeply concerning, not only for us personally but for the future of New Zealand’s maritime workforce.

“If approval is granted, skilled New Zealand crews will be displaced by cheaper overseas labour – undermining fair job opportunities at home and eroding our nation’s shipping capability.”

Earlier this month, Holcim confirmed a plan to replace its 27-year-old MV Buffalo cement carrier this year, with future shipping to be managed by NovaAlgoma Cement Carriers (NACC).

The MV Buffalo, a New Zealand registered cement carrier, had been based at Timaru’s port since it was commissioned and started operating in 2018. It was used to distribute cement from Timaru to ports at Dunedin, Lyttelton, Nelson, Wellington, New Plymouth, and Napier.

A statement issued by Holcim said the decision to replace it came after “a comprehensive review of long term shipping requirements and operational costs” and it was “actively working through this process” with employees and union representatives.