Review reveals Govt yet again underfunds maritime sector

Media Release

27 November 2015

Mid-Point funding Review reveals Government yet again underfunds the maritime sector

Minister of Transport, Simon Bridges, needs to urgently address the underfunding of Maritime NZ’s operations, says Annabel Young, Executive Director of the NZ Shipping Federation.

The midpoint revue of the Maritime Levy has resulted in new levy proposals that are dumping costs onto the marine sector. These costs of MNZ are operational and should be met by government funding.

Maritime NZ’s role is substantially for the benefit of the public. Every New Zealander benefits from safe, secure and clean maritime operations.

By ensuring that ships in New Zealand waters are meeting international maritime standards the government is meeting its own obligations under international treaties, as well as ensuring the uninterrupted import and export of goods from this country.

Maritime transport is New Zealand’s lifeline. The Minister of Transport needs to step up and acknowledge the significant importance ofthe maritime part of his role and become an advocate for the sector. Maritime should not be treated as an optional add-on to New Zealand transport infrastructure.

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