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Serious concerns over Aratere ferry removal

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) is expressing serious concern following the announcement that the Interislander ferry Aratere is being removed from service indefinitely.

The Union says the loss of the rail-enabled Aratere, a crucial link between the North and South Islands, significantly weakens the resilience of New Zealand’s national supply chain.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says the situation highlights the ongoing consequences of Finance Minister Nicola Willis’s decision to cancel the iReX project.

Mr Findlay says the Maritime Union will be engaging in a consultation process with KiwiRail and will be seeking no or minimal job losses for ferry crew.

“MUNZ will be working to ensure our members’ futures are protected during this period of instability caused by poor planning and cancelled investment by Ms Willis.”

Mr Findlay says the announcement is causing concern for maritime workers, transport operators, and the New Zealand public.

“The removal of the Aratere is another blow to the reliability of the Cook Strait crossing, a situation entirely predictable after the cancellation of the iReX project,” says Mr Findlay.

“We consistently warned about the fragility of the ageing ferry fleet. Finance Minister Nicola Willis’s decision to scrap the plan for new, purpose-built ferries has left New Zealand reliant on older vessels prone to failure. Losing the Aratere, especially its rail freight capability, puts immense pressure on the remaining vessels and the entire transport network.”

Mr Findlay says the Maritime Union supported Minister of Rail Hon. Winston Peters work to get a new deal for rail-enabled ferries.

But he says the removal of the Aratere now leaves a major gap for a number of years until the new ferries are in service.

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Port Unions welcome ERA finding on Lyttelton Port Company restructure proposal

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The two main unions for Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) workers have welcomed a determination this week from the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) that found LPC breached obligations to the Unions and workers under the Collective Agreements (CEAs) through a proposed restructure of its container terminal operations.

The ERA has ordered LPC to halt its direct consultation process with affected workers, and instead engage in structured consultation with the Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) and the Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) on the proposal within 20 working days.

The Authority ruled that LPC’s approach to developing its proposal to disestablish 35 positions, without involving Unions, breached the requirements of the CEAs and the wider duty of good faith under the Employment Relations Act.

MUNZ National Secretary Carl Findlay says the determination is a significant win for port workers by clearly reinforcing the importance of good faith and collective bargaining.

“This finding sends a strong message to employers that they cannot simply present a fully formed proposal for major change without genuinely engaging with the Unions who represent the affected workers,” says Mr Findlay.

Mr Findlay says collective agreements require a cooperative and collaborative approach, especially when jobs are on the line.

RMTU General Secretary Todd Valster says the ERA’s order for LPC to return to the table for structured consultation with the Unions was a positive outcome for port workers.

“This is a good result for workers because it ensures their collective voice is heard at a meaningful stage of the process. It means we can properly engage on the rationale, the details of the proposal, and explore alternatives that protect our members’ jobs and conditions,” says Mr Valster.

“Restructuring should not be presented from on high. It requires genuine engagement to find the best way forward for both the business and the people who make it run. This ERA determination reinforces that principle.”

MUNZ and RMTU looked forward to engaging with LPC as directed by the Authority to ensure a fair process for all affected workers.

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Rail-enabled ferries a victory for common sense

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union has welcomed today’s announcement from Minister of Rail Winston Peters the two new Cook Strait ferries will be publicly owned and rail enabled, meaning that they can carry rail wagons.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says the union had strongly argued for this outcome to the Minister, and the decision was a victory for common sense.

He says rail-enabled ferries ensure the long-term viability of both the national rail network and the Cook Strait ferry connection.

Mr Findlay says the developments around reduced expenditure on the new terminals and port infrastructure will be closely watched by the Union

He says today’s announcement was probably the best that could be expected in the circumstances given the cancellation of iRex by Finance Minister Nicola Willis.

Mr Findlay congratulated the membership of the Maritime Union including the crews of the Interislander ferries for their strong support for the Union campaign Our Ferries, Our Future.

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Maritime Union strongly critical of Tony Gibson appeal

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union says an appeal by former Port of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson against health and safety conviction should be dismissed.

On 26 November 2024, the Auckland District Court held that former Ports of Auckland (POAL) CEO Tony Gibson had failed to exercise his duty of due diligence as an officer of a PCBU (Person conducting a business or undertaking) under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

Industry regulator Maritime NZ laid charges against Mr Gibson after the death of a stevedore, Pala’amo Kalati, in 2020.

The Union understands an appeal has been lodged.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says the conviction of Mr Gibson was an important public recognition of the harm he had caused.

“One thing we found when Tony Gibson was in charge at the Port was that he always saw himself as right, and saw everyone else as wrong.”

“This attitude would have fatal consequences.”

He says Mr Gibson’s regime at Port of Auckland saw multiple deaths and serious injuries, sustained attacks on the workforce, and a failed automation project that cost Aucklanders hundreds of millions of dollars.

Mr Findlay says the successful recovery of the Port of Auckland since Mr Gibson’s resignation in 2021 confirm previous problems were down to poor management.

“It has taken several years to turn around the Port but we have done it.”

Mr Findlay says the recent reappointment of Tony Gibson to a board position at Marsden Maritime Holdings (MMH) in Northland is a travesty.

“There is no way Tony Gibson should have been appointed to any senior business role, let alone the Board of a maritime and port company.”

Marsden Maritime Holdings is a New Zealand Exchange-listed (NZX) company, which has a 50% stake in Northport, a marina, and significant industrial land holdings.

The Maritime Union will continue to campaign for corporate manslaughter laws and was seeking the removal of Mr Gibson from the Board of Marsden Maritime Holdings.

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EIT Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) graduates secure roles at partner school | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 minutes ago

EIT Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) graduates Isaac Winterson (second left) and Becca Williams with Havelock North Primary School Principal Nick Reed (right) and Deputy Principal Greg Bain (left).

EIT’s partnership with local schools continues to thrive, with two Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) graduates the latest to secure jobs at Havelock North Primary School.

Becca Williams and Isaac Winterson finished the programme, renowned for its practical, community-focused approach, at the end of the semester, having completed placements at Havelock North Primary during their three years.

Isaac is excited to begin his career teaching Year 4 students. Reflecting on his time at EIT, he credited the programme’s practical focus for preparing him for the realities of teaching. 

“The practical experience was invaluable. Being in classrooms, working alongside incredible teachers, and applying what I learnt built my confidence over the three years,” Isaac said. “I’m stoked to start this new chapter.” 

Isaac also expressed gratitude for the supportive environment at EIT, where lecturers provided personalised guidance. 

For Becca, joining the staff at Havelock North Primary is a homecoming. A former student at the school, she completed her final practicum in a Year 3 classroom, spending two days a week on-site throughout her final year.

“It feels so special to return to the school I attended as a child,” Becca shared. “The connections I’ve made with staff and students during my practicum gave me insight into the school’s culture and prepared me for this opportunity. It’s like a year-long job interview.” 

Becca credits EIT’s focus on real-world experience and the close relationships with lecturers for her success.

“The support was incredible. Unlike larger universities, where you might not even know your lecturer’s name, at EIT, you can contact them anytime,” she said. 

Principal Nick Reed and Deputy Principal Greg Bain have long been advocates of EIT’s Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), commending its hands-on approach and the positive impact it has on teacher preparedness.

The partnership, which dates back to the programme’s inception more than a decade ago, sees candidate teachers spend 40 per cent of their training in classrooms around the region, giving schools a unique opportunity to mentor and assess future educators.

They congratulated Becca and Isaac, and said they ticked a lot of boxes.

“We’re lucky to have them because there were a number of other schools who were keen to sign them up as well. So, we were fortunate to get in nice and early with the interview process and secure their services,” Nick said.

EIT Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) graduates Isaac Winterson (second left) and Becca Williams with Havelock North Primary School Principal Nick Reed (right) and Deputy Principal Greg Bain (left).

Greg said both Becca and Isaac were “really successful in being able to build relationships with the staff and kids”.

“We want people who are going to go the extra mile for the kids,” Nick added.

Greg described the partnership with EIT as mutually beneficial, allowing the school to evaluate top talent throughout the year.

“We get a really good look at the candidates coming through, which is really positive. I tell every candidate teacher that this is basically your interview for the whole year you’re here, so make the most of it,” he said.

Nick added: “They’re well prepared and providing that they’ve had positive postings, which in most cases they have, they’re ready to make a difference from the get-go.”

Kirsty Jones, EIT Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) Programme Co-ordinator, says: “It is always so rewarding to see graduates winning jobs in the partner schools where they practiced the craft of teaching, it is a fabulous endorsement of the quality of EIT’s BTP programme.”

“This year the graduates were snapped up by local schools with most securing positions before they had even finished their final course work. They will all start teaching in 2025.”

“Many of our past graduates have been appointed as senior leaders and mentor teachers for these beginning teachers too. I feel so proud of them and seeing them grow over the years and become leaders in the profession is heart-warming.”

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EIT’s foundation skills, and sport courses pave new pathways for rangatahi | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 minutes ago

Students taking part in EIT’s Level 3 Sport, Recreation and Exercise at the Maraenui Learning Centre have had a successful year.

EIT’s Foundation Skills and Sport, Recreation and Exercise courses are creating meaningful opportunities for rangatahi in Hawke’s Bay, helping them reconnect with education and discover their potential.

The courses—Level 2 Foundation Skills (Exercise and Wellbeing), Level 3 Sport, Recreation and Exercise, and Level 4 Exercise—operate out of EIT’s Maraenui Learning Centre and have become a hub of growth and transformation.

Delivered in partnership with EIT graduate and lecturer Levi Armstrong’s Meki Foundation, the programmes focus on holistic education, blending physical activity, personal development, and strong pastoral care to ensure students thrive.

“These are students who left school early and thought education wasn’t for them,” said Sport and Exercise Lecturer Coven Ratima (Ngāti Kahungunu), an EIT graduate who now tutors the same course he once completed. “But once they step into this space, they see what’s possible. It’s fun, it’s engaging, and it’s designed to build their confidence and skills.”

Hope Truman, 17, is one of those students. After leaving school at 16, she was hesitant to join the programme, even with encouragement from her mum. “At first, I didn’t want to do it. I told her, ‘I’m not going,’ but then she said she’d come with me because I didn’t want to go by myself,” Hope shared. Her mum joined her on the first day, sitting alongside her in the classroom.

That initial support was all Hope needed to embrace the programme. “After the first day, I wanted to keep coming because everyone was just so welcoming,” she said. “Even though it was their first time meeting me, they were like, ‘you’re our daughter now,’ so I thought, okay, I’m coming.”

Now thriving in the Level 3 course, Hope plans to continue her studies in 2025. She’s not alone—100 per cent of this year’s Level 3 students in Maraenui have enrolled in Level 4 for next year.

Students take part in diverse activities, from planning events to designing fitness programmes, all while developing critical skills like teamwork, time management, and leadership. Highlights of 2024 included the “Longest Day” fitness challenge and a decathlon sports day in November, which brought students from across the region together to celebrate their achievements.

This year, the courses also expanded into Gisborne for the first time, marking a significant milestone. Record numbers of students are now preparing to continue their studies in 2025, building on their successes at Level 2 and Level 3 to progress into higher qualifications.

Next year, the level 2 and 3 courses will be offered in Maraenui, Tairāwhiti, Central Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa.

Levi (Ngāti Kahungunu) said having the courses in the community breaks down barriers.

“In places like Maraenui, we’re creating safe, supportive spaces where whānau feel welcome and students can focus on their education.”

He also highlighted the importance of addressing challenges outside the classroom. “We’re removing barriers like transport and food insecurity so students can concentrate on their learning. It’s about creating a space where education feels possible and exciting.”

Coven echoed the sentiment, saying, “The growth has been phenomenal. It’s not just about education; it’s about giving them the tools to build better lives for themselves and their whānau. Seeing them succeed is the ultimate reward.”

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International student who chose EIT for her postgraduate studies in New Zealand completes journey with PhD | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

4 minutes ago

Priyanka Antil, who came from India to do a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology (GradDipIT) and the Master of Information Technology at EIT, has continued her journey and recently completed a PhD at AUT in Auckland.

An international student chose EIT for her postgraduate studies in New Zealand and is now reaping the rewards having recently completed her journey with a PhD.

Priyanka Antil, 38, has always had a passion for IT, having completed her Bachelor of Computer Science and Masters in Computer Application in her home country of India.

She spent a number of years working in India before marrying her husband Vinod and having a son, Priyansh.

It was then that Priyanka started looking for opportunities to study abroad.

“I did my research and I really liked the look of New Zealand. We chose EIT because I wanted to go to a polytechnic rather than going to a university. When I saw EIT, I knew that it was a good institute so I applied.”

It was a decision she does not regret, even though it meant moving her young family halfway across the world to pursue her studies in 2015.

She enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology (GradDipIT) at EIT in Auckland, which was a one-year programme.

“We had a couple of admission offers from institutes, but we chose EIT because I had some specific criteria. I wanted to go to a government institute and I wanted to be with students from different countries.

She loved the Postgraduate Diploma, and it whet her appetite to go forward with her studies. It was a natural progression to do a second Masters. She chose the Master of Information Technology and she is glad she did.

“After I finished my Graduate Diploma, I got a job here in Auckland as a part-time lecturer at AWI, Institute”

“Working part-time also motivated me to continue my higher education journey. I want to grow in the field more, so that I can be a part of the education system here in New Zealand.”

The next phase was her PhD, but unfortunately EIT does not offer that programme so she completed it through AUT in Auckland. However, her association with EIT did not end as she has received guidance from EIT Adjunct Associate Professor Alison Clear.

The PhD in software engineering has taken her four years to complete, something she says she could not have done without her husband, who has been the family’s sole income earner as a manager at a local supermarket.

However, that has changed and Priyanka now has a job of her own, working as a senior test engineer at GenTrack Global Limited.

EIT Auckland Campus Director Cherie Freeman says: “EIT is immensely proud of Priyanka and her outstanding accomplishments as she graduates with a PhD. Her dedication and perseverance exemplify the excellence we strive to cultivate in all our students.”

“Although EIT does not currently offer PhD programmes, we are delighted to see how our Master’s qualifications serve as a strong foundation for graduates aspiring to pursue further research and academic success.”

“Priyanka’s achievements highlight the value of an EIT education in supporting students to achieve their goals and make significant contributions to their chosen fields. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Priyanka and her family, and we wish them continued success and happiness as they continue their journey here in New Zealand.”

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New Zealand wharfies join international day of action against Qube Ports

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

New Zealand maritime workers will be rallying in support of Australian workers at Qube Ports on Monday 16 December 2024.

Australian wharfies at Qube are stopping work at ten ports in an International Day of Action to expose Qube Ports’ refusal to take safety, fatigue and work-life balance concerns seriously during bargaining for a new employment agreement covering more than 1000 workers.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says New Zealand wharfies will be supporting the Maritime Union of Australia in their struggle, with delegates heading across the Tasman in both directions, an international video link, and protest events to be held in two New Zealand ports.

TAURANGA informational picket Monday 16 December (1pm–3pm)
Hull Road, Mt. Maunganui (Port gates)

GISBORNE informational picket Monday 16 December (Morning)
Corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Hirini Street

Maritime Union of Australia delegates and MUNZ officials will be attending these pickets and available to talk to media.

Mr Findlay says Qube management need to be aware their actions in Australia will have consequences for their brand and credibility internationally unless they change their attitude towards their workforce.

He says the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and the Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) will be “acting as one.”

Qube Ports in Australia is an ASX listed behemoth which has extracted mega-profits in recent years from the productivity delivered by their hard working employees, and has doggedly refused to sit down and negotiate a new agreement with their workforce. 

The MUA says Qube has repeatedly dismissed safety and fatigue concerns and declared it unprofitable to operate a business which takes safety seriously. 

While wharfies’ pay has gone backwards against inflation, executive bonuses and shareholder dividends have soared. Over the last four years, Qube profits have jumped by 148%.

The MUA has repeatedly called on the company to return to the bargaining table and engage meaningfully with the safety, fatigue and work-life balance concerns that Qube employees are raising.

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Reappointment of Tony Gibson to maritime industry board role a travesty

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union says the reappointment of disgraced former Ports of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson to a director position at Marsden Maritime Holdings (MMH) is a travesty and an insult to the memory of workers killed and injured on the job.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says workers are in disbelief at the absolute lack of judgement shown by MMH.

Mr Gibson was found guilty in November 2024 of a health and safety charge stemming from his former role as CEO of Port of Auckland Limited.

Maritime NZ laid charges against Mr Gibson under the Health and Safety at Work Act after the death of a stevedore, Pala’amo Kalati, in 2020.

Marsden Maritime Holdings is a New Zealand Exchange-listed (NZX) company, which has a 50% stake in Northport, a marina, and significant industrial land holdings.

Mr Findlay says the news shocked workers who lived through the Gibson years at Port of Auckland, which saw deaths and serious injuries, sustained attacks on the workforce, and a failed automation project that cost Aucklanders hundreds of millions of dollars before Mr Gibson’s resignation.

Mr Findlay says there is a culture of impunity for directors and senior managers.

“What more does it take for a public company to say time to go?”

Mr Findlay says it’s a case of “jobs for the boys” and a glaring example of the double standard applied, as workers would be sacked for far less serious offences and find it hard to get back into work.

“The corporate elite need to get the message that the working-class majority are getting sick and tired of seeing this entitled self-serving attitude.”

He says the Maritime Union congratulates Port of Auckland, a minority shareholder in MMH, for its principled decision voting against Mr Gibson’s reappointment.

Mr Findlay says the stance of the New Zealand Shareholders Association who directed proxy votes against the reappointment was also a responsible course of action.

He says MMH CEO Rosie Mercer should retract her praise of Mr Gibson.

“Let’s be absolutely clear – there are families who will be missing someone this Christmas because of avoidable workplace deaths. Marsden Maritime Holdings should be ashamed at this insult to the memories of workers who lost their lives.”

He says the Maritime Union would be following the issue up with Northland Regional Council and would be seeking the removal of Mr Gibson from the MMH Board.

The Maritime Union would continue to campaign for corporate manslaughter laws.

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Move to New Zealand for a better life sees EIT student follow her architectural dream | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

6 minutes ago

Juanett Broadhurst is currently in her first year going into the second year of the NZ Diploma in Architectural Technology (Level 6) at EIT.

After six years of working in the finance industry, a move from South Africa for a better life for her family has seen an EIT student follow her Architectural Technology dream.

Juanett Broadhurst, 39, moved from school straight into the fast-paced finance industry in Johannesburg, South Africa, but she always yearned for more. Six years ago she and her husband Angelo made the difficult decision to move the family to New Zealand for a better life.

Juanett has three children ranging from 20-years-old to ten years-old. Her husband is a motor vehicle dealership owner in Ahuriri, but Juanett always felt that she needed to carve her own niche.

“Architecture has always been something I wanted to do since high school. My interests have always been in civil engineering or architecture. And when my son went to university last year, I realised that it’s been 25 years in the making. Up until now I’ve always been in an industry where I never felt fulfilled.”

She initially tried her hand in real estate in Hawke’s Bay, but found that she was not suited for sales.

“I soon realised that I had more interest in how the properties were put together than actually selling them.”

“We were doing research for my son on what he wanted to study when we came across architecture online. It just clicked for me. It was actually what I’ve wanted to do my whole life. I didn’t know EIT does architectural technology or even architecture for that matter.”

Juanett is currently in her first year going into the second year of the NZ Diploma in Architectural Technology (Level 6) at EIT. Even thought she was not at EIT when Cyclone Gabrielle hit, Juanett has seen the progress the rebuild has made in the last year.

She has loved the Architectural Technology programme at EIT and has enjoyed that the tutors are qualified industry professionals.

“I love the fact that the tutors are involved.  I am a person of structure, so I like that their programme is structured very logically and they make it fun as well. Everything is very technical and can become overwhelming, but they break it down very simply so that you get just the right amount of knowledge to progress you and make sure that you know what you are doing.”

Juanett is looking forward to getting out into the job market and she credits EIT for preparing her for this.

“They make you job ready, so that you can go work in any type of environment. You can become an interior designer or you might want to gain a little bit more experience in the industry and you can go do inspections for different companies.”

“I would love to gain some work experience in an architectural firm.”

“The designing of houses are great and that’s also something I really do love, but what I find fascinating is the design of the services.”

EIT Architectural Technology tutor Courtney Vuicakau said: “Juanett is testimony that it is never too late to follow your dreams.  Our course attracts people from all stages of life.  It requires no previous experience in architecture, we will give you the knowledge and skills required to be a participating member of an architectural practice.  We look forward to seeing Juanett continue to grow during her second year of study.”