#education: Government Invests in Training to Grow Kiwi Seafarer Workforce

The Government has announced new funding aimed at strengthening New Zealand’s maritime workforce, backing training opportunities designed to grow the number of qualified Kiwi seafarers working on domestic ships.

The initiative will provide $8.3 million from the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund to support training berths on coastal vessels, allowing trainees to gain the sea-time experience required to qualify as professional seafarers.

The funding is intended to help address a shortage of locally trained maritime workers while also strengthening the resilience of New Zealand’s coastal shipping sector.

Training berths allow cadets and trainees to work onboard vessels under supervision while completing the practical experience needed for maritime qualifications. Industry leaders say access to these placements has long been a bottleneck for people wanting to enter the sector.

Supporters of the investment say building a stronger domestic seafarer workforce is important for both economic and national resilience reasons.

Coastal shipping plays a key role in New Zealand’s freight network, moving goods between ports and helping maintain supply chains when road and rail links are disrupted by natural disasters or other emergencies.

The sector’s importance was highlighted following Cyclone Gabrielle, when coastal vessels were used to move essential cargo to regions cut off by damaged roads and rail lines.

Industry representatives say developing local maritime skills will help ensure the country has the workforce needed to operate coastal vessels and maintain supply routes in times of crisis.

The Maritime Union of New Zealand has welcomed the funding announcement, describing it as a positive step toward rebuilding a skilled domestic workforce in the shipping industry.

Union representatives say New Zealand has lost many experienced seafarers over recent decades as fewer opportunities were available for training and employment within the coastal fleet.

By increasing the number of training placements available, the programme is expected to help more New Zealanders enter maritime careers while supporting the long-term sustainability of the sector.

The initiative forms part of the wider Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund, a $30 million programme designed to strengthen the country’s coastal freight network and improve its ability to withstand disruptions to land transport systems.

Transport officials say investing in maritime capability is a key part of ensuring the country can continue moving goods and supporting communities during emergencies or supply chain disruptions.

The training initiative is expected to create new pathways for young New Zealanders interested in maritime careers while helping rebuild a skilled workforce to support the future of coastal shipping.