Manahau Crew Denied Access to Representation by Maritime Union NZ

The grounding of the Manahau barge in Westport raised serious concerns about potential disaster, as crew members were prevented from speaking with Union representatives. Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay highlighted the risks involved, emphasizing that if the vessel had come ashore elsewhere on the West Coast, it could have resulted in loss of life and the ship itself. Despite difficulties in communicating with the Indonesian and Myanmar crew on the Manahau, the Union took legal action to address the situation.

Concerns were raised about the actions of the operator WMS, who blocked Union representatives from visiting the Manahau and attempted to prevent crew members from accessing support. The company’s behavior was deemed concerning by Mr. Findlay, who called for authorities to intervene and ensure the rights of crew members were upheld. The Maritime Union, affiliated with the International Transport Workers’ Federation, advocated for independent support for crew members given the lack of trust in the company responsible for the vessel.

Information regarding the seaworthiness of the Manahau was shared with the Union by experienced maritime professionals, who expressed concerns about the vessel’s suitability for the West Coast environment. The Manahau, which had recently entered service in August 2024, was noted to be underpowered for the rugged maritime conditions. The Union also criticized the use of taxpayer money to support a vessel with an overseas crew and flagged to Niue, emphasizing the need for New Zealand-owned, operated, and crewed ships to maintain high-quality standards and prevent potential disasters like the tragic loss of the Kaitawa in 1966.

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