With the recent announcement of the Aratere retirement, redundancies, bargaining with C3 and Bluebridge, and everything else in between the Branch has been busy with organising and meeting members at work sites. The Branch Executive, the Veterans, our National Secretary and legal counsel Simon Mitchell KC have all done their best to get alongside our members at Interislander to offer support during a tough, challenging time. No matter where in the country/ world we go the support will always be there.
To those of you who have been impacted by the Interislander redundancies, my sincere condolences to you all.
It is never a pleasant experience, especially since this is the third redundancy the Wellington Branch has gone through in less than 12 months. It has not been an easy run for our Branch, however we must keep on going. I wish you all the best for your future endeavours. We have almost finished the ratification meetings with Bluebridge and working on an agreement with C3, many thanks to all the delegates involved in bargaining. Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui.
E hara taku toa I te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini. My strength is not that of an individual but that of the collective.
KiwiRail –InterIslander Line
We have moved onto the next couple of phases of the redundancy process, with the expressions of interests now done, letters have been distributed to all members affected.
This has been a difficult and challenging time for everyone. I’d like to acknowledge everyone’s support throughout this time.
Kaiarahi is in Singapore for drydock, expected return date is around the 18 August.
Strait Shipping
We had negotiations with the company on 16–17 June which went well.
We got a few issues ironed out, like the 2 for 1 deduction of sick leave.
8% for the Superannuation/ Kiwisaver is written in the agreement rather than just in the company’s policy.
A 2-year term was agreed on with 2% year 1 and 3% year 2.
We have had three meetings on all three vessels and we are still working through the ratification process.
I would like to acknowledge and thank the negotiation members for their hard work, time and effort – Lionel Guyton, Quintin Kerr and Mark Douglas. You guys did well!
The Livia has arrived, has been refurbished with fresh murals, new seating, and my favourite all signage is written in both Te Reo and English. The Livia has started sailing.
I will be meeting with the company regarding several issues that were raised at the June SWM.
This includes foreign crew working on the Livia , foreign crew taking the Connemara to drydock and back. Then taking the Feronia away once the Connemara returns.
Qube
This has been a long frustrating battle. MUNZ are still opposing the poor decision of the Employment Authority to allow this company to have employees work up to 5/6 12-hour shifts.
For MUNZ it is about fatigue risk management, with proper safety controls in place.
We had 2 days for negotiations on Tuesday and Wednesday 1–2 July and a third date scheduled for 16 July.
I’d like to acknowledge and thank Fred Brown, Bradley Basham and Joe Gallagher for their work with this.
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
AGM is set for Monday 8 September, 6 months after the end of financial year.
Penny Mercer our accountant will be attending as this is our first AGM in several years.
All branch members are encouraged to come along, this will be held prior to the September Stop Work Meeting, notice will be sent out in due course.
Stopwork Meetings
• Friday 15 August (Change of date, Executive unavailable.)
• 8 September
• 6 October
• 10 November
• 8 December
On behalf of the Wellington Branch Executive, we would like to acknowledge all the members for their contributions and support over the last several months during the tough times.
WOMEN’S REPORT
ANNETTE MCCAULEY
MUNZ NATIONAL WOMEN’S REP
Ferries
It is fair to say that morale is low on the vessel given the recent company redundancies.
They are currently working through the final phases of this and Interislander’s new structure should be in effect as of end of September 2025
Kaiarahi is currently making her way back to New Zealand from Singapore after being away for much needed maintenance.
Rail ferry Aratere is getting closer to her last sailing across the strait there isn’t any update as of yet on what the company’s intentions are on what happens to her next.
NZCTU Women’s Conference
National Office paid for me to attend this as National Women’s Rep, and between our fundraising committee, our branch and myself we got two other women from Lyttelton to attend.
I attended the workshop on the Working Women’s charter who was led by well known lawyer Hazel Armstrong. Very interesting indeed on how to bring this into current day/times.
Ferries
Next fundraiser is to get our women to WIMDOI – women in male dominated occupations and industries which was held at the Top Club on 8 August 2025.
I enlisted the help of a ship mate to make up the trivia questions for the evening.
I have been busy with our Aussie sisters with the WIMDOI committee and trying to reach out to other unions.
First Nations
On 21 March I attended the the First Nations conference in Sydney. It was amazing to meet our comrades from Hawaii, Chile, Canada, America and of course Australia.
My Lyttelton Bomber Jacket was very eagerly taken by one of our Chile brothers, much to the envy of his fellow delegates. After explaining I only had one on me and their brother was clever in asking to order one in first instance, after giving out other apparel in return I was gifted a beautiful embroidered hi viz hoodie from their home port in Chile. Jordi from the IDC sends his regards to you all along with all the other usual suspects.
On 29 July I attended a Women’s Forum with RMTU as their Guest in Wellington and was made extremely welcome.
So apart from that now and having a crazy week onboard due to Mother Nature, that’s all I have to report.
News Briefs
Parliamentary enquiry into ports and maritime sector
In July 2025, the Maritime Union of New Zealand made a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Ports and the Maritime Sector, outlining critical issues and proposing a strategic vision for New Zealand’s maritime freight industry.
Offshore oil and gas
With the resumption of oil and gas exploration, MUNZ will be engaging with offshore employers and looking to maximize any job opportunities for our New Zealand seafarers.
Tripartite Accord positive step for Port of
Auckland
Making the most of Auckland’s port and waterfront is a step closer with formal approval of a Tripartite Accord between Auckland Council, the Port of Auckland Limited and port workers represented by the Maritime Union of New Zealand.
Investigation into Achilles Bulker –rudder “fell off” due to bad welding
The near grounding of a fully loaded bulk carrier at Port of Tauranga in 2023 has been reported on by TAIC – another example of Flag of Convenience “ships of shame” risking lives, property and environment.
Qube Ports sentenced for 2022 serious injury
Qube Ports NZ Limited was recently sentenced in the Tauranga District Court in relation to a 2022 incident onboard the bulk carrier, Daiwan Hero and fined $300k.
THE CHARLESTON FIVE AND THE IDC –25 YEARS ON
FIONA MANSELL SECRETARY/TREASURER
WELLINGTON BRANCH
Dockworkers from around the world gathered to celebrate these two incredible events in Charleston, South Carolina from 23–27 June 2025. This was a double 25th Anniversary to remember!
I would like to thank the Maritime Union of New Zealand and National Secretary Carl Findlay for giving me the opportunity to attend this double celebration.
These historic anniversaries brought in over 300 delegates from Ports across the globe, united in their shared mission to defend labour rights and promote global solidarity.
The week started off with tributes to the Charleston Five: A Legacy of Resistance and Unity
He also acknowledged the perseverance and determination of the leader of ILA Local 1422 in Charleston, President Kenneth Riley.
Thank God for Kenny Riley, Daggett said. “Kenny didn’t blink; he didn’t back down.”
While the power structures of this country tried to isolate those five men, Kenny went around and built a coalition that was impossible to ignore.
From dock workers in Europe to South America, Australia, and the other US waterfront union the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), the call for justice rang out from Charleston and echoed around the globe.
That spirit, that unwavering resolve
Five dock workers from ILA (International Longshoremen’s Association) Local 1422 were arrested and prosecuted in 2000 for standing up to anti-union practices of the Port of Charleston.
What began as a local conflict became a global rallying cry for the defence of worker’s rights.
The Charleston five are Kenneth Jefferson, Elijah Ford Jr., Peter Washington, Richy Simmons and Jason Edgerton.
They were arrested and later indicted on felony charges all because they had courage and the audacity to demand fair treatment and protect union labour.
Dennis A. Daggett, Executive Vice President of the ILA and General Coordinator of the IDC, led a group of speakers who honoured, remembered and reflected on this historic event.
Dennis highlighted that the struggles were not born out of conflict but of courage.
to protect one another is what defines them today.
As we marked the 25th anniversary of a global movement for dockworker’s rights, it’s not just a celebration of history, it’s a reaffirmation of purpose.
Over the past quarter century, port labour has faced relentless pressure from automation, subcontracting, digitalization and climate disruption.
These forces are reshaping the maritime world. Yet through unity and determination, dockworkers continue to prove that progress must not come at the expense of dignity, security or human presence on the docks.
I am super grateful to have had the opportunity to attend both these events, to hear of the struggles and challenges the IDC, ILA and other unions are facing.
What I learned is that nothing in this industry is a given, it is hard fought for, everything must be won.
A FUTURE WORTH FIGHTING FOR!
WIMDOI BIENNIAL CONFERENCE 2026
11–14 May 2026 – Rotorua WIMDOI provides women working in maledominated occupations and industries with a safe environment to share their stories, enhance skills, build networks and strategies and develop Union power, and are bringing their 2026 biennial conference to Aotearoa! If you are a woman working in a male-dominated occupation or industry, talk to your union to express your interest in attending, or get in touch:
Annette McCauley MUNZ National Women’s Rep annette_liz@hotmail.com
Rebecca Hauck RMTU National Women’s Rep gunkgirl7@gmail.com
MUNZ OPPOSES ANY SUGGESTION OF FERRY PRIVATIZATION
The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) says suggestions of privatisation of the new Cook Strait Interislander ferries would be a dangerous step backwards.
The proposals were contained in a cabinet paper presented to the Government earlier this year and obtained by media under the OIA.
Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says past privatisation of strategic transport infrastructure had caused great harm to our national supply chain.
He says the ideological push for privatization will be coming from the extreme right in the Government represented by the ACT Party.
Mr Findlay says New Zealand’s rail network, including the ferries, had been sold off to overseas corporates in the 1990s by a right wing National Government.
“What followed was a textbook case of corporate raiding, where assets were stripped for short-term profit, maintenance was run into the ground, and workers paid with their lives due to shocking health and safety breaches.”
“The taxpayer was then forced to spend millions to buy back the asset and start the long process of fixing it up.”
Mr Findlay says it is essential for a New Zealand owned, public ferry operator to be on the Cook Strait for economic security and supply chain resilience.
He says the Cook Strait is our ‘blue highway’, an essential extension of State Highway 1 and the Main Trunk Line.
“We believe the Minister of Rail, Winston Peters, who has spoken at length about the failures of past privatisations, will not allow the Government to be swayed by ACT style agendas.”
Mr Findlay says the ferry replacement process has already been a fiasco, with the decision of Finance Minister Nicola Willis to cancel the iRex project creating years of delays and a billion dollar cost to New Zealand.
He says there are many other opportunities for private operators to enter into other coastal shipping services, and the Government should be supporting this goal.
“For the Cook Strait, our focus should be on investing in a modern, reliable, and publicly-owned ferry fleet that is fit for the 21st century and serves all New Zealanders.”
The Maritime Union of New Zealand represents seafaring and catering crews on both Cook Strait ferry operators.
WOMEN RISE UP
BY ANNETTE MCCAULEY
MUNZ NATIONAL WOMEN’S OFFICER LYTTELTON WOMEN’S REP #6092
Firstly, I would like to thank the National Officials for allowing me to attend the NZew Zealand Council of Trade Unions Biennial Conference – Women Rise Up it was a jam packed two days filled of key speakers, workshops, and a pay equity panel.
Thanks to my local Lyttelton Branch for allowing me to take two other Wahine to represent our branch, and our fundraising committee for helping us get them there.
This time round attending the conference was a little different as now being a part of the NZCTU Women’s committee and organisers and I would like to extend my sincerest thanks for them making me feel so welcome.
Our first day was filled with key speakers Hon Jan Tinetti MP, Māori lawyer Riana Te Ngahi and NZCTU Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges.
My highlight from on day one of the guest speakers was Riana Te Ngahue. Some of you that are up with modern technology may have heard of her from the social media platform Tik Tok.
Riana’s media content has covered political commentary on topics related to the Treaty of Waitangi and Māori
perspectives on legislation and more recently the Regulatory Standards Bill.
This young Wahine Toa left an everlasting impression on me along with many others in attendance.
It is fair to say that many shy away from hard topics such as legislation due to the complex language that is used however this Wahine broke it down into everyday language for all off us to understand, and for that among other reasons I am very grateful.
Some of the topics and discussion had and simplified were about the “Beliefs” pushed by Governments and powerful groups that need to be questioned:
Belief 1– “All we need is economic growth”
In real life this means:
• Living standards plummeted with “Trickle Down Economics” leading to stagnation
• Where does economic growth come from anyway?
• Fair pay Agreements being thrown out
• Fast tracking Consenting Act
• Skip safe guards and cut corners
• Overseas investment Act – How much can overseas people help us?
• Regulatory Standards Bill
Belief 2 – “Regulations are just Hoha, deregulation means economic growth”
In real life this means:
• Repeal of Smoke free laws – harms people
• Health and Safety changes – puts us more at risk
• Regulations Standards Bill –takes control away from the people
Belief 3 – “Everyone has the same opportunities
– Distract and conquer”
In real life this means:
Examples: Repeal of Oranga Tamariki Act (Section 7AA), theory that all kids are the same and we should be ‘colour blind’
• Justice youth bootcamps
• Māori health authority undermined
“Kereroha – no one cares what you are even saying”
• “That’s too smart for me” – so we need to use normal words
• Academic language – meaning can be lost in interpretation
• Keep words short and sweet
• Avoid “switch off words”
These were useful tools in ways of breaking down communication barriers in everyday situations.
Throughout the conference there was the theme Anger, Hope, Action. We have plenty to be angry about.
Since the Coalition government came to office in 2023, we have seen the biggest attacks on workers since the 1990s including:
• the repeal of pay equity legislation in May in favour of employers. 33 live claims cancelled, review processes removed, higher thresholds for new claims,
• a raft of changes to the Employment Relations Act in favour of employers,
• proposed changes to health and safety legislation in favour of employers,
• proposed changes to sick leave, and
• pathetic increases to minimum wage rates during a cost-of-living crisis, and
• a Regulatory Standards Bill prioritises private profit.
Anger
Anger is a powerful emotion. What we do with it is what matters most.
“This is one of anger’s most important roles: it is a mode of connection, a way for women to find each other and realize that their struggles and their frustrations are shared, that they are not alone, not crazy.”
(Traister, R. (2018). Good and Mad, the revolutionary power of women’s anger. New York: Simon & Schuster.)
We have a responsibility to ensure our next government is committed to supporting all working people in Aotearoa New Zealand.
We know this anger is felt widely and deeply amongst our communities. These attacks are not fair or just. It is time for us to channel our anger, connect with others and to stand up and fight back.
Hope
The flip side of having a government hell bent on making bad choices, is that there are plenty of opportunities to connect, organise, build power and win.
When workers’ rights are under attack we must stand up and fight back!
This must be a one term government and our front line workers must unite to take the lead to put an end to this crazy injustice.
Action
Hon Jan Tinetti’s message to conference was a reminder to ensure we (women) prioritise our needs as we resist the coalition governments’ attacks on women, workers, families and communities and plan for a progressive future.
Chlöe Swarbrick’s message to conference was that, as a movement, we know what solutions are needed.
We need to ensure that that these ideas are developed and socialised to pose a unique and progressive future for Aotearoa.
These actions wind back decades of progressive legislation in all areas of government, and they disproportionately impact women, with Māori, Pacific and migrant women bearing the brunt.
We are at a crucial juncture and what we choose to do next, in our unions, in our workplaces, in our homes and communities will shape the future. We must realise that we are stronger together.
A day of action is happening all around the country on 20 September to continue the fight for Pay Equity amongst other issues, if you can please attend in your local area, I highly recommend that you do.
This Biennial conference saw a change of venue, held at the Lower Hutt Events Centre 4-5 July.
When I first started attending this conference years ago, I made it my mission back in 2017 to see more women become actively involved in our union and have the opportunity to attend union events and to encourage them to take up leadership roles.
I am super stoked to see several years later this has come to fruition, there are more women sitting on the National Council for MUNZ and 50% women on the Wellington Branch Executive, that is because of conferences like this one.
Women come to learn, network, encourage and inspire one another by openly sharing their stories in a safe space.
They then go on to contribute more to their work places and unions, making all of this worth the investment.
Thanks, and acknowledgement to the Wellington Branch for allowing Marian Lesslie, Megan Rush Reed, Hannah Jarocka, Eilish Wheeler, Teresa Thorpe and myself the opportunity to attend, we are extremely grateful to have joined 120 other union women from across the country.
This year’s theme Women Rise Up was the perfect fit for the keynote speakers and the women that attended, and with the issues women are still facing today.
The main discussion throughout the conference was the attacks from the coalition government on workers.
The repeal of pay equity that saw the cancellation of 33 live claims, changes to health and safety legislation, proposed changes to sick leave, and pathetic increases to minimum wage rates, in the midst of an ongoing cost of living crisis.
The Regulatory Standards Bill poses further threats to all areas of our communities.
A glimmer of hope though, the Hikoi opposing the Treaty Principles Bill saw the largest mobilisation of our communities.
The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU) coordinated Maranga Ake actions and work on Reimagining Aotearoa. Keep up the great work NZCTU.
The NZCTU will continue to advocate for working women and ensure everyone is seen, heard and celebrated for the work every women does in their industry and unions.
On the Friday night there was an awards ceremony, a celebration for women who give so much of themselves to their unions and the broader union movement. I was blessed to have received one of these awards.
Many thanks to everyone who organised this, words cannot express the gratitude I still feel today about this.
Never in a million years when I first started attending this conference in 2017 I would 1: Receive an award and 2: Be a keynote speaker.
My mission continues on today that the members who attended will use what they have learned to give back to the Maritime Union of NZ, to find their purpose and to help our people.
Ki roto i te Kotahitanga.
Wellington Relay for Life
For the first time, the Wellington Branch entered a team of 15 participants for this year's Wellington Relay for Life over 5–6 April.
The team started at 1500 on Saturday 5 April and took turns to walk or run the track throughout the day/night, completing the last lap at 0800 the following morning.
It was an amazing and inspiring event to be part of. This year's event collectively raised over $900,000, with the Wellington Branch alone raising just over $3000 for cancer survivors and their families. We rounded out the Relay by winning the “Best Decorated Booth”.
Our wonderful team members:
Fiona Mansell, Charon Mason, Megan Rush-Reed, Quintin Kerr, Andy Joyce, Lynette Payne, Marian Lesslie, Maree Griffiths, Hannah Chevis, Maeve Phillipps, Suze Kolaczynski, Harata Kingi, Riwia Matenga, Pearl Wynyard, Moana Hura
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks for all the support and generous donations to our fundraising efforts.
We hope to grow both our team numbers and our fundraising efforts for the next one, if you are keen to join keep an eye out early next year for more details.
BY FIONA MANSELL
WELLINGTON BRANCH SECRETARY
The Maritime Union of Australia held a major conference of First Nations maritime workers from across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Hawaii, Chile, Canada and the United States.
MUA Assistant National Secretary Thomas Mayo led proceedings and brought together representatives from across the globe.
There were so many great speakers at this conference, we heard about the history of the unions, the positive impact the union has on First Nations people and overcoming racism in the work place.
We heard from Palestinian workers about the plight of their people in Gaza.
MUA Bosun Vicki Morta was in the thick of it inspiring young and new members to get up and make themselves heard in this important forum.
A Women’s panel made up of three indigenous women including myself spoke of the struggles as indigenous women in the workplace.
The First Nations issues worldwide was felt throughout the whole week, and what we all realised is that all our problems are similar with similar consequences.
Many thanks to MUNZ for the opportunity to attend this conference. The delegates/officials’ representing MUNZ were Grant Williams (Local 13 Secretary), Eddie Downs (Local 13 Auckland Executive Member), Annette McCauley (MUNZ National Women’s Officer), and Teresa Thorpe, rank and file member aboard the Kaitaki.
Youth delegates were “Voluntold” (voluntarily told to do something) to speak of their experiences on the youth panel.
The history is similar therefore even though we are from different parts of the globe, speaking different languages and having different protocols in our cultures, the thing that was the same was the love, solidarity and unity amongst all of us.
The Wellington Branch gave Teresa Thorpe the opportunity to attend her very first overseas conference.
I know that Teresa will grow and contribute to our Union from what she has learned from attending.
Finally thanks to the Sydney Branch for hosting this amazing conference, to Paul Keating, Thomas Mayo, all the staff and members of the MUA, thank you all so much for your support, solidarity and strength.
Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa – Let us keep close together, not far apart.
MUNZ Women donate to Charity
BY MEGAN RUSH-REED
WELLINGTON BRANCH WOMEN’S REP.
Back in March 2020, a Wellington Branch delegation attended the MUA Quadrennial Conference on the Gold Coast.
MUA Womens Rep Mich-elle Myers asked everyone attending to bring in their toiletries from their hotel rooms and drop them in a box. At the conclusion of the conference, these items were donated to a charity that could put them to beneficial use.
The MUNZ wāhine went a step further by also donating $300 worth of products they purchased from the supermarket.
Since then, our branch wāhine have adopted a similar practice and continue this at every conference we attend. We encourage them to bring along a small donation for a charity or organisation doing meaningful mahi.
One conference saw a donation of around $600 and a range of products to Lower Hutt Women’s Refuge.
Most recently, the delegation attending MUA First Nations Conference in Sydney donated to Share the Dignity, a charity helping women at risk and experiencing homelessness in Australia.
At this year’s NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Women’s Council Biannual Conference, following a post from Mission to Seafarers Wellington about their project creating care packages for female seafarers on foreign-going vessels, it was decided to support this initiative.
We invited our delegates attending to contribute items for the care packages and they delivered!
We were proud to hand over this beautiful collection to the incredible team at Mission to Seafarers. A gesture we hope brings a touch of home and aroha to wāhine working far from theirs.
Reviving the Bluewater Highway
BY MICK WILLIAMS MUNZ VETERANS
As a long-time retired seafarer, official, unionist, and advocate for maritime industry I offer this article in the hope it contributes meaningfully discussion.
New Zealand’s freight network is under serious strain.
Our roads are overcrowded and costly to maintain, while emissions from diesel-powered trucks continue to climb.
With growing freight volumes and ageing rail infrastructure—especially across Cook Strait—we face an urgent need to rethink how we move goods around the country.
One solution is right in front of us: coastal shipping.
The so-called “Bluewater Highway” once played a key role in our national transport system. It’s time to bring it back.
Coastal shipping emits up to 80% less CO₂ per tonne-kilometre than road freight, according to the Ministry of Transport.
It is also safer, more cost-effective, and significantly reduces wear and tear on our national road network.
As climate-related disasters become more frequent, sea transport adds muchneeded resilience, staying operational when roads and rail lines are damaged or closed.
During Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, for example, access to parts of the East Coast was cut off for weeks. While trucks and trains were halted, sea routes kept supplies flowing.
That’s a wake-up call.
Our reliance on trucks continues to grow, partly because the Interislander rail ferry capacity has been reduced.
With one or two ageing rail ferries retired, no freight is moving across Cook Strait by train—putting even more pressure on roads.
This isn’t just an infrastructure problem—it’s a warning sign.
Reviving coastal shipping isn’t just about efficiency or climate goals.
It’s also an opportunity to support regional ports and create skilled maritime jobs for New Zealanders.
Ports like Timaru, Bluff, Whanganui, and Westport could become key local freight hubs, strengthening regional economies and reducing urban congestion.
But to make this work, we must commit to building a domestically crewed coastal fleet. New Zealand has a proud maritime tradition.
By training and employing local seafarers, we ensure national control over a critical supply chain while keeping the economic benefits here at home—not in overseas labour markets.
What’s missing is policy leadership.
While road and rail enjoy consistent public investment and planning, coastal shipping is often left out of national transport strategies. That has to change.
The sector needs infrastructure investment, regulatory fairness, and long-term policy support.
Reviving the Bluewater Highway isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a necessity.
For climate, safety, resilience, and national economic strength, coastal shipping must be recognised as a core part of New Zealand’s transport future.
A heritage of struggle: Peter Harvey sent in this photo from the Nelson Mail “about thirty years ago” featuring the crew of the Kuaka – the battle for New Zealand shipping goes on
Happy International Day of the Seafarer 25 June to the hardworking crew of MT Kokako, who celebrated with a chocolate cake courtesy of The Mission to Seafarers Wellington
Empowered and United: Women Take Their Seat at the Table
BY SUE DOUGLAS MUA
A powerful call for women to step up, speak out, and take their rightful place at every level of the union movement echoed through the Alexandra Hills Hotel at the inaugural 2025 Queensland Maritime Union of Australia Women’s Conference.
Held over two days, from July 30-31, the conference, titled “Taking our seat at the table,” brought together women from across the maritime industry to strategize, network, and empower one another.
The event featured a packed agenda covering critical issues from workplace rights and safety to financial well-being and future industry opportunities.
A key message from Mich-Elle Myers, Assistant National Secretary of the MUA, set the tone: women must say “yes” when called upon to get their perspectives and ideas heard.
“The door is open now its time to take our seats at the table,” she said, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and the MUA Equity Charter, which ensures female participation in union business.
NEW RIGHTS AND THE FIGHT FOR FAIRNESS
Jacqueline King, General Secretary of the Queensland Council of Unions, delivered a compelling session on new rights at work, highlighting the persistent gender pay gap.
She revealed that Australian women, on average, earn just 78 cents for every dollar a man earns, a gap that adds up to an average of $28,000 per year.
To spotlight this disparity, the QCU will mark Equal Pay Day on August 19, representing the extra 50 days women must work to match male incomes.
A significant focus was placed on new legislation targeting psychosocial hazards.
Employers are now legally required to proactively prevent workplace harm caused by factors like overwork, poor job design, and sexual harassment.
This is a critical development, as statistics show one in four women still report experiencing sexual harassment, a figure that has not improved in five years.
The conference also championed the “It’s for Every Body” campaign to introduce 10 days of paid reproductive leave into the National Employment Standards, a motion passed at the 2024 ACTU congress.
The leave would support workers dealing with debilitating conditions like endometriosis, undergoing fertility treatments, or managing menopause, which forces many women into early retirement or part-time work, costing them an average of $60,000 in superannuation alone.
INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES AND UNION STRENGTH
Looking to the future, attendees heard about the immense job opportunities on the horizon in offshore wind energy and decommissioning.
Angie Moore from the MUA detailed the $60 billion of work required to remove and repatriate old oil and gas infrastructure, stressing that “it’s all MUA jobs.”
A parliamentary inquiry into the issue is anticipated next year, as many companies have abandoned their infrastructure, leaving the cleanup bill to taxpayers.
The power of union-led initiatives was a recurring theme.
Sessions highlighted the services of Hunterlink, a 24/7 union-funded counseling and referral service, and Unity Bank, which was established by wharfies in 1970 when traditional banks refused them home loans.
Unity Bank remains a non-profit focused on its members and is the only bank with a clause that suspends home loan repayments during protected industrial action.
INSPIRING WOMEN AND KEY ADVICE
I was proud to share my Union journey with the Conference, and my message to attendees was overcome selfdoubt and run for senior roles.
The conference also heard from Che Kenneally, a wharfie, mother, and WBA Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion, who spoke candidly about balancing her demanding life and the importance of asking for help.
Practical advice was on offer from legal and financial experts.
Turner Freeman Lawyers, who provide a free standard will service to Queensland MUA members, stressed the importance of estate planning and keeping wills and superannuation binding nominations up to date.
Tanja Prell from Host Plus urged members to become “super empowered” by actively managing their investments and taking advantage of new services like a waiver on insurance payments during paid maternity leave.
A CALL TO ACTION
The conference closed with a clear and unified message: get involved, know your rights, and support other women.
With an Equity Charter workplan now in place, the women’s committee will begin implementing the steps needed to create lasting change within the union.
The energy and solidarity were palpable, leaving no doubt that the women of the MUA are united, powerful, and ready to lead from the front.
The event was made possible by the hard work of organisers Ann Gray, Kerryn Loose Jones, Kerri Bird, and Hannah Svendsen, and the support of the Queensland Branch and National Office. The conference also extended its gratitude to its sponsors: Unity Bank, Turner Freeman Lawyers, Hunterlink, Union Health, Host Plus, and Emily’s List.
Your Job, Your Port, Your Vote: Why the 2025 Council Elections Matter
The 2025 Local Government Elections, running from Friday, 20 September 2025 to Saturday, 11 October 2025, are more than just another election – they are a critical battle for the future of every maritime worker in Aotearoa.
The decisions made by the councillors and mayors we elect directly affect our jobs, our safety, and the conditions we work in.
Councils own or are the majority shareholders in our ports.
They are the ones who appoint the directors, set the agenda, and ultimately decide if our ports serve the public good or get sold off for private profit.
ENROL, EDUCATE, MOBILISE
Our strength is in our solidarity, and it’s time to use it.
Here is the plan for every MUNZ branch:
STEP 1: GET ELECTIONREADY (NOW - SEPTEMBER)
The most crucial first step is making sure you can vote. You can’t have your say if you’re not enrolled.
At your next smoko break or branch meeting, ask your workmates: “Are you and your family enrolled to vote at your current address?”
It only takes a few minutes to check or update your details with the Electoral Commission.
STEP 2: KNOW WHO AND WHAT YOU’RE VOTING FOR (AUGUST - SEPTEMBER)
We need to connect the dots between a vote in the council elections and job security on the wharf.
We will be identifying and promoting candidates who have committed to supporting us.
We plan to invite pro-worker candidates to our worksites and branch meetings so you can ask them directly:
* “Do you support our port remaining in 100% public ownership?”
* “Will you oppose the contracting out of core port services?”
* “Will you ensure workers and their unions are central to any discussion about automation?”
STEP 3: GET OUT THE VOTE (20 SEPTEMBER - 11 OCTOBER)
Voting is done by post.
Your voting papers will arrive in your letterbox between 20 and 25 September 2025.
As soon as they arrive, fill them out and post them back. It doesn’t cost anything to post your vote.
KEY DATES
Voting Papers Delivered: 20 September - 25 September 2025
Voting Closes: 12:00 noon, Saturday, 11 October 2025
Let’s stand together and elect councils that will work for us, not against us.
Fiona Mansell 021 573244 Assistant National Secretary fiona.mansell@munz.org.nz
Gerard Loader 021 1286236 National Vice President gerard.loader@munz.org.nz
Ramesh Pathmanathan 021 260 4895 Office Manager ramesh@munz.org.nz Albert Williams 021 973561 Senior Admin Support albert.williams@munz.org.nz
