Maritime NZ people
Stuart Day
Chief Advisor, Regulatory Frameworks
Please tell us a bit about your role... As a chief advisor, I work at a functional level (within our policy group – Regulatory Frameworks) and across Maritime NZ, supporting initiatives such as our COVID-19 response, the Safer Ports Programme (which finished in July), and implementing our organisational strategy.
I appreciate the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of interesting work, both within Maritime NZ and with our external stakeholders. My hope is that I help make a difference for New Zealand’s maritime sector.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on? My main focus at the moment is helping to implement our organisational strategy – Te Korowai o Kaitiakitanga. What that means in practice is developing and delivering work that clarifies and confirms our regulatory approach, such as how we’ll use our corrective and enforcement tools, what our regulatory response will be (given the different situations we face), and supporting our regulatory operations in the work they do. This requires engaging with many parts of the organisation as we move along our regulatory maturity journey.
This year’s World Maritime Day theme is ‘Navigating the future: safety first!’ What does this mean to you? It’s a timely theme for Maritime NZ, given our recent Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) designation extension and the number of maritime incidents we’ve responded to over recent months. It’s exciting to be part of the work Maritime NZ is doing as a risk-based regulator to support the maritime sector to keep its people and operations safe.
Some important work we’re doing to support the maritime sector to have “safe people and operations” includes: implementing the recently signed (by Ministers) Approved Code of Practice for Loading and Unloading Cargo at Ports and on Ships, our three ongoing Harm Prevention programmes, a new notifications process and team, and the great work our Regulatory Operations group does every day to support the maritime sector.
We also take health and safety seriously within Maritime NZ to ensure our people work in a safe environment and that we ‘walk the talk’ as a health and safety regulator. For example, we’ve refreshed our approach to managing our critical risks and have started implementing controls for the risks associated with driving (our top risk). Other controls will be implemented over the coming months.
How is Maritime NZ commemorating World Maritime Day? The Maritime NZ Board, along with our Executive Leadership Team, is hosting some key stakeholders in Auckland for an important discussion on innovation in the sector and how new maritime technologies can be used safely.
It’s an important discussion because new technologies are either already in use or emerging across different parts of the maritime sector, and if operated safely, can play an important role in improving productivity and increasing connectivity and regional resilience. They can also have a positive impact on climate change.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry? As a public servant, I’m not sure I work for the maritime industry per se, however, I’m proud to work for an effective and efficient regulator that’s focused on supporting the maritime sector to be “Safe, Secure, Clean and Sustainable".
New Zealand’s maritime sector is critical for our living standards, as most of our trade is via sea and we get economic benefits from cruise sector tourism, so it’s important to me that the work I do supports this important sector to thrive.
How would you describe your team? I’d describe the members of Regulatory Frameworks (our policy group) as passionate, capable, and motivated to do the best job possible. More generally, one of the things I love about working at Maritime NZ (apart from the important work we do) is the freedom I have to operate. For me, the authorising environment I work in has the perfect mix of direction and trust to get on with the job.
What keeps you motivated? Doing work that’s valued and trying to deliver value for money. I’ve always thought that because government agencies are funded through taxes that are compulsory (in our case, largely through levies), we have a social contract to deliver value for that funding. I enjoy seeing that the work I do has a positive impact on the outcomes Maritime NZ wants to achieve and, ultimately, supports a sustainable maritime sector.
Who inspires you? My three teenage kids inspire me. I want the best for them, so inadvertently they encourage me to be the best dad I can be, even if it means 5.30 am starts at the cricket nets, long days at dance competitions, or helping them operate the (analogue) lawnmower. It’s all worth it.
What does your ideal weekend look like? There are a few different answers to this one. Typically, my weekend is a mix of socialising with friends and family, working on the house, and kids’ sport. Our annual trip to Whitianga is always fun too.
Rose Mein
Manager, Legal Services (Public, International and Commercial)
Please tell us a bit about your background… I've had a bit of a squiggly career path, spending five years in the wine trade in London before returning to Christchurch and heading to law school, where some of my favourite papers related to Law of the Sea and international law. I was nearly finished my degree when the earthquakes hit, which made for interesting times. I spent a few years working for EQC before moving to Wellington for a job with an electricity retailer. Before coming to Maritime NZ, I worked for the Ministry for Primary Industries on compensation claims related to biosecurity responses (particularly mycoplasma bovis in cattle, bonamia ostreae in oysters, and pea weevil on pea plants).
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on? There’s no such thing as a typical day for me! My role, as well as that of the rest of the legal team, is incredibly reactive to whatever is going on for other parts of the organisation. The maritime legal framework is vast and complex, so we spend a lot of time learning and advising on the interpretation and application of legislation and conventions, assisting with the development of policies, exemptions, and certification matters, as well as supporting those responding to maritime incidents, and generally trying to help problem solve some of the tricky issues that arise.
What do you enjoy most about your role? I’m very lucky to work with a fantastic bunch of passionate people who are always incredibly generous with their time and knowledge. I really enjoy the problem solving nature of the role, which often involves working with subject matter experts, and taking time to understand a matter from a technical, operational, and practical, as well as legal perspective.
What do you find most challenging? Like many people, I often feel like there's not enough hours in the day to achieve all that I planned to get done that day.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry? It's a super interesting industry to be a part of, full of passionate people and interesting conundrums. I love being able to get out and about and meet other industry participants. It really helps provide context for us and the work we get involved in. Our team recently visited Ports of Auckland where we got up close to a container ship being loaded, and faced our fears of heights by climbing up a crane, and also visited the New Zealand Maritime School where we played on a ship bridge simulator – what an amazing piece of tech! For any lawyers with an interest in international law, I highly recommend getting involved in the maritime sector. It has an incredibly rich history in the development of many facets of international law – jurisdictional boundaries, marine pollution prevention, security, rights of seafarers, ship safety, design construction and navigation, and everything in between.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ (or in your previous role, if you’ve yet to have one!)? I'm lucky to have had the opportunity to be the New Zealand delegate at the International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC) Funds meetings, held at the International Maritime Organization in London. This was a great chance to see first-hand how things work at an international forum, and provided an opportunity to talk with lawyers from many other jurisdictions party to the same conventions as New Zealand.
What is your biggest achievement to date (personal or professional)? Personally, it was probably buying my first house on my own seven years ago. It really felt like quite an achievement at the time, and made those years of scrimping and saving and foregoing my beloved flat whites all worth it. The real driver for me was being able to have my own home so that I could get a dog. Not long after settlement my new flatmate Alfie arrived – a four-month-old "SPCA special" bundle of chaos. In his first few years he probably caused thousands of dollars of damage in destroyed shoes, cables, pillows, and even a Kindle, but I love him dearly and wouldn’t change him for the world.
What are the values that drive you? I like to feel a sense of purpose in my work, that it's helping people and making a difference. I really enjoy collaborating with people and understanding the different perspectives they bring.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? It’s not surprising, given my background, that I enjoy a good (or very good) glass of wine, and also having adventures with Alfie and my husband. We've recently bought a camper trailer so we're looking forward to finding some off-road camping spots around the country this summer.
Thade Brunssen
Maritime Inspector and Port State Control Officer
Please tell us a bit about your background… Before coming to New Zealand from Germany, I spent years on commercial cargo ships sailing worldwide, working my way up from cadet to captain. In between, I volunteered on European tall ships, doing some proper sailing, often with kids on youth development programmes.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on? No day is the same. My work is very dependent on the shipping schedules and the visiting ships’ profiles, so I have to keep my day’s planning dynamic and adjust it accordingly. Some days I may be busy inspecting a vessel for the whole day (longer, if there are serious issues). Other days I may be in the office, doing inspection-related paperwork, researching, and catching up on emails missed during days out inspecting. I also enjoy taking the time to keep in touch with stakeholders like harbourmasters, marine managers, and stevedores.
What do you enjoy most about your role? I enjoy the professional, dynamic and flexible work environment and the ability to influence the maritime industry (hopefully, for the better).
What do you find most challenging? Taking compliance actions which may affect people’s livelihood. After almost six years I’ve accepted it as part of the work I need to do, however, it’s sometimes tricky to find the right response. No matter how objective the findings are, there’s always a personal story behind them.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry? Every day brings a new learning opportunity. One can never know everything! It’s a small world, and most people know each other and generally want to achieve similar outcomes, although sometimes through different ways.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ? I was part of the group that reviewed the way the Maritime Labour Convention was implemented and we achieved positive change. Helping seafarers to improve their safety or living conditions makes me feel proud about the work I do.
What is your biggest achievement to date (personal or professional)? Having settled in New Zealand and raising three very active boys. Every day is an achievement!
What are the values that drive you? I strive to do my work and live my life by the principles of integrity, fairness and respect. People are at the core of all the work I do and it’s important to treat them right.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? Spending time with family, tramping, sailing, and cooking.
Lynda West
HSWA Specialist, HSWA Regulatory Operations
Please tell us a bit about your background… With over 12 years’ experience working in WorkSafe’s operational and regulatory practice teams, I’ve developed a thorough understanding of the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA), and its associated regulations.
I have proven experience in investigations and assessments across high-risk industries, including ports, forestry, manufacturing, agriculture and transportation. Many of my interactions with these industries have been in complex environments with multiple issues and duty holders.
My past roles with WorkSafe include Health and Safety Investigator, General Inspectorate Manager, and Central Region Investigations Manager. My most recent role, Principal Advisor - Regulatory Practice, allowed me to develop capability through delivering and facilitating training packages to all levels of WorkSafe.
Before joining WorkSafe, I was in the New Zealand Police for 15 years in a variety of roles.
What are you currently focusing on? Our team is currently out engaging with the 13 major ports and PCBUs (person conducting a business or undertaking) with those ports, discussing the upcoming designation changes, our notification process, and the regulatory approach to our work with them post 1 July. The designation change is being seen as a real positive for health and safety within the ports and the PCBUs are looking forward to working closely with us.
We’ve also been busy working with other teams from within Maritime NZ to assist in preparing and facilitating the HSWA capability workshops, while updating current and creating new internal policies and procedures to assist with the changes from our new designation.
What do you enjoy most about your role? I really enjoy collaborating with port sector PCBUs and our own maritime officers, inspectors and investigators to work cohesively and consistently, and with a strong focus on the health and safety issues that have the potential to cause serious harm.
Our new HSWA specialist team is also a really exciting team to be part of. Together we bring a wealth of health of safety regulatory and industry knowledge to Maritime NZ, which will hopefully have a consistent and positive impact on the health and safety of the port sector.
What do you find most challenging? Working in an environment I haven’t had a huge amount of experience with is a little challenging. But it’s also really exciting as it brings a new set of eyes to the sector and helps to identify potential areas for improvement that previously may not have been noticed. Also, I’m upskilling myself in a new environment.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry? Even after only being in this sector for a short time, I can see and feel the passion the people have for health and safety within the industry. Everyone has been so welcoming and engaged, as we’re all working for the same goal – to ensure the health and safety of the workers and others who use our ports across the motu.
The culture and positivity at Maritime NZ has also been amazing. Everyone wants the same outcomes and is only too happy to help out.
What’s your biggest achievement to date (personal or professional)? Raising our two children (well, not children any more – they’re 25 and 22 years old). I’m just so proud of them and the young adults they have become, and feel that my hubby and I have done a pretty good job so far (I think it’s not a job that’s never “done”).
Outside of that, winning the Masters Hockey World Cup in Canterbury, England, in 2012 was a pretty special moment. Our team (women’s 40s) was the first-ever New Zealand hockey team to win an official hockey world cup title.
What are the values that drive you? Honesty, trust and respect are values I always rank as being super-important, both in my professional and personal life.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? Spending time with family (our children and the rest of our families live in different parts of the country) and friends, travelling, walking the dog, keeping fit, and just getting out and doing things.
Sam du Fresne
Manager, Notifications and Enquiries Team
Please tell us a bit about your background… I grew up near Nelson, and watching Jacques Cousteau on TV as a young kid, I developed an early passion for the marine environment. I actually started my career as a marine scientist, and I have a doctorate from the University of Otago. I spent many years studying Hector’s dolphins, mainly around Banks Peninsula, and my marine science adventures took me to some really interesting places around the world. In 2014 my wife and I came back to Aotearoa after several years working overseas, and I joined the offshore compliance team at the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). That was followed by a few years leading the Emissions Trading Scheme Compliance team (also at the EPA), followed by a couple of years at Waka Kotahi/New Zealand Transport Agency.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on? My focus since joining Maritime NZ has been developing our new centralised notifications and enquiries function and setting up our Notifications and Enquiries Team (NET). We’re just a few weeks away from launching a new online notification form to coincide with Maritime NZ becoming the HSWA regulator for our 13 major ports. A huge amount of work has been done by a lot of people to get us ready for this – everything from form design and content to an immense amount of ‘behind the scenes’ planning and preparation. We’re excited to be getting so close to a major milestone for our team.
What do you enjoy most about your role? Building a centralised notifications and enquiries function for Maritime NZ will be transformative, so it really is a privilege to be part of it. There are a lot of passionate and knowledgeable people who work here, so I feel like I’m learning every single day.
What do you find most challenging? Working in an agency which regulates across multiple pieces of legislation is interesting and challenging at the same time. In designing the new online form, for example, we needed to consider the requirements of the maritime sector (commercial and recreational, domestic and international), as well as the ports – that’s a very broad range of users. A lot of problem-solving is required in this role which can be hard, but then it’s so rewarding when you figure out the way forward – usually through lots of collaborative thinking!
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry? As someone who has had a strong personal and professional connection to our marine environment, it’s exciting to now be working for our maritime regulator. There’s a lot of interesting stuff happening in the sector – like the new wing-in-ground seaglider vessels – and having a front row seat to see that development is awesome.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ? I don’t think it’s a single ‘ah ha!’ moment. But over the past few months we’ve seen a lot of hard work starting to take shape, and that’s only happening through the collective efforts of many, many people. Helping to shape up such an important project for Maritime NZ and our external stakeholders, and working closely with a heap of talented people to make things happen, have certainly been highlights.
What is your biggest achievement to date (personal or professional)?
Though I’ve not worked as a marine scientist for many years, successfully completing my PhD is still up there! Not just for the thesis, but also for the inspiring people I got to work with and the amazing field work opportunities I enjoyed along the way. I learned a lot about resilience and self-motivation during that time, and that’s stayed with me.
What are the values that drive you? Fairness is a core value for me, in all aspects of my life – I think that’s partly what drew me to a career as a regulator. I firmly believe in the importance of effective regulation to achieve our big policy goals, and of a strong public sector more generally. We do the work we do because we know it makes a difference. And that’s what keeps us coming back for more.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? If I’m not out enjoying the fabulous Wellington weather with my wife and our four year-old Cavoodle, I love being on my mountain bike. It’s a sport I’ve enjoyed since I was a teenager (when the bikes were a lot more basic), as I like being off-road and in nature, and it keeps me fit. I used to do a bit of cross-country racing, but these days it’s purely for fun.
Alison Barrett
Manager, Operational Policy Design
Please tell us a bit about your background…
I’ve spent most of my life in Wellington and have worked mainly in the operational side of regulatory organisations. I’ve been lucky to get experience regulating land transport, postal services, animal health, gambling, censorship, anti-money laundering, anti-spam, private security, and now maritime transport. I’ve also worked in energy efficiency and the energy sector. It turns out that my great grandfather was a Master Mariner so it’s fitting that I’ve ended up at Maritime NZ.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
Is there a typical day at Maritime NZ? My time is generally split between working on the operational policy and practice framework, supporting the team, working with Stephen Reilly who manages our sister team Regulatory Practice, connecting with other people, and doing operational policy work. Significant operational policies the team has worked on recently are the Maritime Transport Operator Certificate (MTOC) renewals, lookout, plus a range of policies for the Safer Ports Programme and the Notifications and Enquiries Project.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
The variety of work we get involved with is amazing. There are always curly questions popping up and interesting things to learn about. The best thing is that our work makes people safer and the environment cleaner.
Developing operational policy is a team sport that takes skill, curiosity, thinking up and down and sideways, and working with a wide range of people with different perspectives. In the end we have to get to a point where the operational policy reflects the policy intent and the organisational strategy as well as being legal, sensible and practical. Easy!!!
Everyone in the team has different skills and backgrounds so we all contribute different things and support each other to do the work.
What do you find most challenging?
Getting operational policy right is really challenging. There are so many perspectives to consider and there are always things from left-field that need to be worked through. Images of rabbit holes and rocks come to mind. Things don’t stay still either. The world changes around a regulator and we need to keep up. When we get it right it feels like magic.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
I’ve always found transport fascinating, have a green streak, and enjoy being a regulator. Combining all three in one job works well for me.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
The MARPOL Annex VI project team getting the Director’s award for courage.
What is your biggest achievement to date?
It was pretty special when I heard about nine months after I left an organisation that the Chair recognised my work in their end-of-year wrap-up. It meant the changes from my work were still in place and the work the team and I did was worthwhile. Climbing Mt Aspiring is certainly one of my personal achievements.
What are the values that drive you?
Fairness – we regulate to make the maritime world fairer for all and fair treatment goes a long way to helping individuals thrive. I strive to make a positive difference through all I do and to be kind to people, animals, and the environment.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I enjoy getting into the hills, riding my bike, running, skiing, holidays, and playing the violin. Cooking and spending time with family and friends also feature.
Graham MacLean
Deputy Chief Executive – Response, Security and Safety Services
Please tell us a bit about your background…
I grew up in land-locked African countries (Malawi and Zimbabwe) and always had a dream of working in, on, or near the sea. After school I spent a couple of years working as a river safari guide on all the great southern African rivers – the Zambezi is still my favourite – before joining the British Royal Navy.
Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks I spent the majority of the 2000s deployed on military operations on various vessels in the Middle East.
Then, in 2010, my whānau and I immigrated to New Zealand. My wife and I both took up service in the Royal New Zealand Navy (Juliet is a naval aviator and way cooler than me!). I was fortunate enough to work in a variety of operational leadership roles throughout New Zealand’s Economic Exclusive Zone and from the South-West Pacific to Antarctica.
In 2019 I joined the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and worked in numerous leadership roles, including Chief of Staff National Security Group, Head of National Planning, Response and Readiness in the COVID-19 Group and Executive Director Planning, Reporting and Assurance in the Cyclone Recovery Unit.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
I typically start the day providing a taxi service to my teenage children for pre-school sports training before beginning my work day. In these first few months with Maritime NZ I’m working hard to get up to speed and learn the Response, Security and Safety Services portfolio. I spend most of my time meeting members of the team, understanding the journey the portfolio has taken to get here, and starting to set ambitions for where we need to go next.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I love working with such an awesome team across so many interesting challenges. I see incredible potential for Response, Security and Safety Services to be world leading in conjunction with the wider Maritime NZ and sector stakeholders across all aspects of our work.
What do you find most challenging?
Working with the new government to ensure our story is understood well enough for ministers to make informed and timely decisions relating to what our sector needs. As with any new relationship, trust and progress will come from building a deep understanding between what the new government aims to achieve and what the sector requires to be successful.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
No two days are the same! There are always interesting opportunities in such a dynamic and critically important national sector. Everyone I meet in the sector is driven by a common sense of driving the industry forward to advance New Zealand’s maritime interests.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
In my first week in the role I attended the Regional Maritime Response conference in Dunedin. I witnessed the various functions of Maritime NZ engage, present, and demonstrate the work the organisation does on a daily basis to support the sector.
I was blown away by the professionalism, hard work, and scale of respectful relationships by all in attendance. I instantly knew that the pride I felt for Maritime NZ was a genuine validation for my decision to join the organisation.
What is your biggest achievement to date (personal or professional)?
Personally: immigrating to New Zealand. My family and I love living in this country and are proud to call ourselves Kiwis!
Professionally: Working in direct support to the previous government on our country’s response to COVID-19. It’s the hardest but most rewarding work I’ve done.
What are the values that drive you?
I’m driven by a sense of service to the people I work with and for the betterment of our communities and country. I’m a people person and get my energy by working and leading collaboratively.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
My favourite indulgent hobby: Can’t beat a morning surf at Lyall Bay with my pooch (Cody) followed by a cheese scone at Maranui Café. Pure bliss!
Jayshree Ranchhod
Investment Advisor - Harm Prevention
Please tell us a bit about your background
My career path has taken me from banking and investments to my current role at Maritime NZ, allowing me to leverage my financial skills in a new and exciting sector. Growing up near the water in Petone and having family roots in a coastal village in India, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the sea. This connection has deepened through my journey in Te Ao Māori, where I’ve discovered maritime ties within my own ancestry, further nourishing my wairua (spirit).
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
I wear two hats at Maritime NZ:
- Community Grants for Recreational Craft Funding Manager: As part of the Harm Prevention – Recreational Craft team, I oversee funding investments across the motu, ensuring positive impacts on our communities.
- Seafarer Welfare Project: I manage contracts with service providers and am developing a grants program to enhance seafarer wellbeing across Aotearoa’s ports.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Being surrounded by passionate individuals who work to prevent harm fuels my own commitment. Our Safer Boating Forum members genuinely care about recreational craft users and their safety. The same goes for the dedicated people working for seafarer welfare – they really care, and they provide so many vital services to our international maritime community.
What do you find most challenging?
There is so much about the maritime sector to learn! I like finding out how different areas within the maritime industry connect together.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
Witnessing our funding’s impact on recreational boating and seafarer welfare is incredibly rewarding. This summer, I had the chance to see the Coastguard NZ’s Old4New campaign in Wellington first-hand. With such a beautiful summer, I was heartened to see so many people getting to enjoy the water in properly fitted lifejackets. Initiatives like this make a real difference in keeping Kiwi boaties safe.
What is your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
Coming to work each day is a privilege, knowing I’m surrounded by such talented and dedicated colleagues. Last year, being part of the Emerging Leaders programme at Maritime NZ further fuelled my personal growth, thanks to the exceptional people I got to interact with.
What is your biggest achievement to date?
My biggest achievement is having an amazing support network of friends and whānau who’ve been there for me throughout my life journey.
What are the values that drive you?
Kotahitanga – working together in unity is what gets me excited! I love connecting with people, and getting stuck into some mahi tahi (teamwork). That’s the greatest thing about coming together in the maritime community.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I love living near the sea. I take lots of walks on the beach and dips in the ocean. I like travelling and learning about different cultures and I’ve been studying Te Ao Māori. I also have lots of nieces and nephews who I enjoy spending time with.
Baz Kirk
Pacific Maritime Safety Advisor
Please tell us a bit about your background
I’ve been working in the maritime sector since leaving school. I have done many things - working on fishing boats at 15; tutoring at a maritime school; being SAR rescue boat skipper; holding different roles within Maritime NZ. I enjoy being hands on and working with people.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
I’m currently reviewing the Cook Islands’ national search and rescue plan in conjunction with RCCNZ, and coordinating the procurement of a shipping container for secure storage of safety equipment. I'm also assisting the Cook Islands’ Ministry of Transport team to plan for the next safety inspection, consultation and education trip to Pukapuka and Nassau Islands in the Northern Cook Islands Group. At the same time I’m developing a Safety Management System for a new motorised barge in Niue.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy working with the people in the Pacific and the opportunity to give back to them. Because of the remote locations we often work in, face-to-face engagement with communities and community leaders is paramount. By day, I may be doing boat safety inspections and assisting with boating education programs. Come evening, I join the locals catching fish to help feed their community. I really see that as the key to ensuring open, honest and enduring relationships.
What do you find most challenging?
The most challenging thing is keeping connected. Internet can be very intermittent, and often extremely weak when in the islands. Trying to do something simple like sending email reports can be difficult. Keeping the mosquitos at bay in the outer islands is another unique challenge.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
I like the camaraderie that all people across the maritime sector share, and it’s no different on the Pacific Maritime Safety Programme. Knowing that I am adding value to the islands in the Pacific is hugely satisfying and rewarding.
What is your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
In my current role, I am proud of the time I worked as the key advisor to the Secretary of Transport for the Cook Islands when their Maritime Director’s role was vacant.
What is your biggest achievement to date?
My biggest achievement is my commitment to giving something back to the maritime industry which has provided me with so many opportunities.
What are the values that drive you?
I’m all about being open, honest and fair.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Family is number one for me. My five grandkids, and visiting my wider whānau while working in the remote Northern Cook Group keep me busy. I also enjoy hunting and fishing.
Molly Byrne
Advisor, Regulatory Licensing
Please tell us a bit about your background
I was born in Wellington and have always had a love for the water. I wanted to work at Maritime NZ after finishing my degree majoring international relations and sociology, believing an integral part of New Zealand lies within the waters that surround us. My professional background is in administration and hospitality.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
A typical day for me will revolve around assessing seafarer applications for the licence they are wanting to obtain. I check over their documents and ensure they have the relevant training and experience to be able to safely operate. I am communicating with seafarers constantly to educate and advise of the best pathways.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy connecting with people and helping them to understand Maritime NZ’s regulatory framework. Clear explanations and communication of our requirements strengthens our relationship and trust within the industry.
What do you find most challenging?
Gaining a full understanding of the many licences we issue can be challenging. I need to ensure I am fully comprehending each specific part of a requirement and its legislation before I can communicate this externally. I believe we are always learning, this is why being receptive to collaboration is a key part of how we grow.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
Talking to seafarers who are passionate about what they do.
What is your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
Helping a seafarer upgrade their professional certificate to a watchkeeper deck. They could not identify the right career progression pathway and had almost given up. We created a plan which meant the seafarer had a clearer understanding of their progression.
What is your biggest achievement to date?
Probably looking after some family members to help them finish high school while also finishing off my degree.
What are the values that drive you?
Honesty and equality.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Anything outdoors and in nature.
Shaun Carrodus
Senior Strategy Systems Advisor
Please tell us a bit about your background
I lived overseas for a few years before returning to New Zealand. I did a number of things, including running my own business, before becoming a Quarantine Officer at Ministry for Primary Industries. From there I began working in Biosecurity Response where I gained a solid grounding in both readiness and response work.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
I work from the Marine Pollution Response Service (MPRS) office on the Te Atatū Peninsula and the focus of my job is to take a system wide approach to minimise the impact of oil pollution on New Zealand’s marine environment.
I am currently engaging closely with regional councils to maintain and improve their Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plans at a regional and industry level. I am also involved in planning for a forthcoming trip to Niue where a couple of other MPRS staff and I will support the development of Niue’s marine pollution readiness and response capabilities as part of the Pacific Maritime Safety Programme (PMSP).
What do you enjoy most about your role?
My role provides fantastic opportunities to travel and work with amazing people both domestically and abroad. But most importantly, this work is about protecting our marine environment. Growing up in Auckland with a father who was mad fisherman, I developed a love and respect for the water from a young age, especially for the Kaipara and Manukau Harbours and the Hauraki Gulf.
What do you find most challenging?
Learning about a whole new industry has felt like drinking through a fire hose at times! Being in the Strategy and Systems team, my focus needs to span across all facets of work MPRS is involved in. This requires a really broad knowledge base which I am always building on.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
Very simply, being an integral cog within a system that is vital to New Zealand.
What is your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
Being relatively new to Maritime NZ, I would say simply getting the job, and working with a group of people who inspire me and I can have a laugh with.
What is your biggest achievement to date?
By far, it is raising my son (now 5) with my partner.
What are the values that drive you?
Honesty, integrity – being genuine. I also admire people who take a stand for what they believe in and those who strive to continuously better themselves.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I love getting involved in my son’s junior surf lifesaving over summer and taking him swimming, bike riding and other family adventures. I also do a bit of running, cycling and the gym – anything that fits in around work and family.
David Wilson
Lead Advisor Safety Systems
Please tell us a bit about your background
I have spent almost 20 years at Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ). As a Watch Leader for 18.5 years, I worked with a team of search and rescue officers, coordinating search and rescue operations within New Zealand’s search and rescue region. The region spans 30 million square kilometres and covers air, land and sea - a huge responsibility!
I have been Lead Advisor Safety Systems in the Safety Systems and Infrastructure team here at RCCNZ since October 2022. Before joining RCCNZ, I worked at the Kordia Maritime Operations Centre and prior to that, served 12 years in the Royal Australian Air Force.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on
I represent Maritime NZ as the NAVAREA XIV Coordinator for New Zealand, issuing navigational warnings to mariners across 50 million square kilometres as part of the Word-Wide Navigational Warning Service. I provide oversight and guidance to the RCCNZ Operations Room teams’ that issue the navigational warnings, and to the Kordia Maritime Operations Centre that broadcast them 24/7.
As a member of the Safety Systems and Infrastructure team, I provide technical advice to support operational and policy decisions for Maritime NZ. Our team’s work is broad and we spend our time managing day-to-day operations and strategic projects across the distress beacon database, the National Maritime Distress and Safety Communications System (NMDSCS), aids to navigation and the maritime communications systems for keeping mariners safe.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I like not being the smartest person in the room; I find that it gives me the best opportunities for learning and growth. I enjoy collaborating with international partners and working with people who have “large brains and small egos”.
What do you find most challenging?
Never being the smartest person in the room.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
I enjoy the variety of industries that I get to work across in my role at RCCNZ including maritime, aviation, and land environments.
What is your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
I can’t isolate one. I love being part of a team that plays a significant role in bringing people safely home.
What is your biggest achievement to date?
One of my biggest achievements was developing an Antarctic search and rescue Response Plan that encouraged other countries with these similar responsibilities to improve their own planning. I am grateful for the feedback from international Antarctic Search and Rescue experts and other agencies in refining this plan.
What are the values that drive you?
Honesty is a key value that underpins my work at RCCNZ. I believe in owning up to mistakes and learning from them is crucial in ensuring the success of search and rescue operations.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
In his free time, David enjoys kayaking to Matiu/Somes Island, golfing, and walking his dog, Biggles.
Erin Lawrence
Maritime Officer
Please tell us a bit about your background:
Much of my family have always had a relationship with the ocean, my Grandfather, Lieutenant Bernard Tonks, worked aboard numerous Navy ships including the HMS Duke of York in the Arctic Circle and on the HMS Bonaventure working with the Midget Submarines during the war. Most of us are boaties and/or sailors and have grown up spending a lot of our work or spare time on, in or under the ocean.
I was a competitive swimmer and competed in surf lifesaving from a young age and have always had a passion for the marine environment. I completed a Marine Science degree and became a Scuba Dive Instructor.
I went and worked overseas in the Maldives as a Scuba Dive Instructor and then in Mexico as the Manager of a Marine Conservation programme near the border with Belize.
I did some travelling in various parts of the world before coming back to New Zealand and continuing dive instructing. I then started working for the Government in maritime/marine related roles, and have done that for the past 10 years.
The past 3 years have been with Maritime New Zealand as a Maritime Officer.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
I fortunately have a lot of variety in my role as a Maritime Officer, thus each day is different. Some days I will be out in the field conducting an audit on a maritime transport operation, or out on the water talking to recreational boaties about safer boating. I also conduct investigations and enquiries into maritime incidents, accidents and mishaps. But a lot of what I do is helping/educating and engaging with people in the industry.
Over the weekend, I went down to Christchurch to assist the local harbourmasters with the Sail GP event. I have also recently completed an audit on a large maritime transport operation and am working through completing the report for that operation. Today, I am meeting with various stakeholders to discuss Event Water Safety Guidelines.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy working with such a broad range of people in an industry that I am truly passionate about for the better good of people’s safety and the environment.
What do you find most challenging?
At times I find it challenging to be across all the different streams of work I have on my plate as more work tasks arise each day. But it is a good challenge to have as it means a lot of variation!
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
I love working in an industry I am passionate about, where I can easily relate to others. I feel incredibly fortunate to be in a position where I am able to positively influence and educate people to operate their vessels safely and look after themselves, those on board and the environment.
What is your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
My proudest moment most recently was working through the audit for a large maritime transport operation and getting really positive feedback about the audit process and outcomes from both the operation and internally. It was also great to be able to work with the operation on an approach going forward to continue to improve the relationship between the operation and Maritime New Zealand.
What is your biggest achievement to date?
I feel my biggest achievement in this role is how I have evolved as a Maritime Officer and have a lot more confidence to take on more challenging tasks than I did when I started. I also feel proud of the relationships I have established with different individuals and stakeholder in the industry throughout my time here.
What are the values that drive you?
Integrity, authenticity, respect and helping people.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Much of my time is spent with my family and friends. I am a very proud mother of my 4 year old daughter and step mother of my 10 year old stepson. We get the kids out on our boat and in the water as much as we can, snorkelling and swimming and recently starting to teach my stepson to dive.
My partner and I also sneak out on our boat for a dive and a fish and to go exploring on Great Barrier or other local islands when we can. We also love travelling together and as a family around NZ and overseas at any chance we get.
Brodie Ward-Johnston
Insights and Scheduling Advisor
“I love working with people who are passionate about the work they do; it really motivates me to learn as much as I can about the industry so I can best support them.”
Brodie Ward-Johnston comes from a long line of people who love being on the water, including the owner of a fleet of merchant ships in the 1800s. And while Brodie’s the first to admit she prefers to keep her feet on land, she's surprised herself by developing a deep interest in ships and the maritime industry.
Here’s Brodie on what she’s currently focusing on, what she likes about working for the maritime industry, and her proudest moments, both at Maritime NZ and on the football field.
Please tell us a bit about your background:
I come from a long line of people who love being out on the water – one relative owned a fleet of merchant ships in the 1800s, another was in the Navy, and a number of others are keen boaties. I’m sorry to say that this passion must have skipped a generation because I’ve always preferred having my feet on land. When I had to go on my grandfather’s boat as a kid, there were tears! I don’t think anyone would have imagined I’d end up working at Maritime NZ and having such an interest in ships and the industry we support. I’m sure my partner would love it if I stopped pointing out every ship we drive past!
I started working in the public sector in 2017, at the Ministry for Primary Industries. I joined Maritime NZ in 2020 and spent two years supporting our COVID-19 Recovery and Response team before moving to the Regulatory Operations side of the organisation.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
As many have said before, I’m not sure there is a typical day for anyone here at Maritime NZ!
I’m currently helping my team plan and prioritise for the remainder of the financial year. I look at how my role can best support our team to focus on carrying out their inspections and audits. I also keep an eye on the resources across Maritime NZ and how we can best use them to simplify our scheduling process.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy learning about an area of the maritime industry that is relatively new to me, and working with passionate people.
I also love creating order and exploring ways to streamline current systems and processes.
What do you find most challenging?
I’ve found working in a remote team has been a little challenging. Keeping connected virtually and making time to visit other offices has really helped with that.
On a slightly lighter note, having to learn a whole lot of new acronyms has also been a challenge!
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
I love working with people who are so passionate about the work they do; it really motivates me to learn as much as I can about the industry so I can best support them.
What is your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
My proudest moment would have to be the time I spent supporting the COVID-19 Recovery Team. I loved the opportunity to connect with a variety of people with an interest in the maritime industry, whether commercially or recreationally. It was my job to listen to their stories or concerns, and find the information they needed to continue operating or enjoying their recreational activity safely – in an ever-changing environment. Being able to help was really rewarding.
I also got to work with an awesome, supportive group of people.
What is your biggest achievement to date?
Saving a penalty in the last play of extra-extra time to avoid a penalty shootout was a pretty cool feeling (see my answer below about playing football!).
What are the values that drive you?
Empathy, honesty, teamwork, and always wanting to learn more.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I play football competitively as a goalkeeper, though because of my dodgy knees, I’ve watched more than I’ve played over the past year.
I also enjoy trying new food spots and spending time with my friends and family.
Scott Bernie
Manager General Regulatory Operations (Central)
“Being able to influence safety outcomes which result in the safe return home of a family member – whether it’s a stevedore at the port or a crew member on a fishing vessel – is very rewarding.”
Scott Bernie has been part of our crew for almost eight years, and now leads our central Regulatory Operations team. As well as supporting his team and collaborating with other Maritime NZ managers, he's currently focused on working in and around the ports, assisting the ports, stevedores and other agencies.
Here’s Scott on how his passion for the sea led him to a career with Maritime NZ, what he enjoys most about his role, and his biggest achievement (“a real ‘get out of jail free’ moment”).
Please tell us a bit about your background...
From an early age, I had a passion for the sea. I wanted to be a skipper, so straight out of school I did a stint in the fishing industry on trawlers and long liners. New Zealand’s waters must have been too cold, though, because I ended up working as a dive instructor on the Great Barrier Reef for a few years. After doing some study and working in the States, I returned home and spent 10 years working as a fisheries officer in Wellington. This involved chasing paua poachers around the coast and also interacting with commercial fisherman on a daily basis, which was a great foundation for my current role with Maritime NZ.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
My days are rarely the same, but my role is to make sure the team I manage is well supported, as well as to work with the other managers to ensure we’re consistent and aligned so we’re all heading in the same direction. My current focus is work in and around the ports, so I’m dealing directly with the ports, stevedores and other agencies. This also involves a number of other teams across Maritime NZ.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy people management – building a team and then giving the team members the tools and support to enable them to achieve and operate at a high level.
I really enjoy the variety of work and the regular interactions with the industry and stakeholders, whether it’s having a chat about the beach price for crays with a fisherman up the East Coast, or dealing with the team on how to tackle some kind of incident. I also enjoy getting ahead of potential issues and resolving these before they occur.
What do you find most challenging?
It can be challenging to juggle a large number of balls in the air at the same time. For example, I could be dealing with inter-agency work, a crane failure at a port, and managing expectations of the industry and stakeholders, as well as any a number of other issues that arise during a day. Fortunately, most of the issues turn into opportunities rather than challenges.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
Being able to influence safety outcomes which result in the safe return home of a family member – whether it’s a stevedore at the port or a crew member on a fishing vessel – is very rewarding.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
I’m proud of being part of a fantastic team that gets stuff done!
What is your biggest achievement to date?
My biggest achievement was being able to come home and give my kids a cuddle after just about coming unstuck when free diving for crays. I got my leg wrapped in my dive bag rope, which was caught on the bottom of the seabed. It took over a minute to figure out how to free myself, which isn’t much when you’re three-metres below the surface! The moral of the story was: always carry a dive knife! That was a ‘get out of jail free card’ moment.
What are the values that drive you?
I took over the Napier office just under eight years ago and was the sole maritime officer responsible for the East Coast. If I didn’t hold the values of integrity, commitment and respect, I don’t think I would have got very far.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
My kids’ sports take up a fare chunk of time, but when I get the opportunity I’m out on the boat fishing off Cape Kidnappers. Nothing beats having your line in the water before the sun comes up! If the sea is too rough, I like pretending to be really good on the golf course.
Ceara Owen
Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code Lead
“Relationships and making connections is my strength, so I’m going to really enjoy meeting everyone involved in the Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code, and bringing the right people together to make a difference.”
We're excited to introduce Ceara Owen, who recently came on board as the Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code Lead. Ceara is looking forward to getting to know other Code members, and finding out what’s important to them so she can start setting the priorities for next year.
Here’s Ceara on how she came to be working at Maritime NZ, and why her new role would have made her father “incredibly proud”.
Please tell us a bit about your background
After studying, travelling, working in the events and hospitality industry, and taking time off to have children, I took up a position with a national membership organisation, representing volunteer firefighters by providing advocacy and learning opportunities. This led to a role as National Relationship Manager at Fire and Emergency NZ before a two-year stint with Standards NZ.
On a personal level, I’m half Welsh. My father met his Kiwi wife when his ship was stuck in port during the 1951 Waterfront Dispute. They lived in England with their four daughters before moving to the south coast of Wellington, where I was born and still live.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
At the moment, I’m busy getting to know everyone and all the processes. The Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code Forum is coming up in a couple of weeks, so I’m focused on making sure everything runs smoothly. It will be a great opportunity to meet the members of the Code and find out what’s important to them so I can start working on the priorities for next year.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
The complexity! There are so many different facets to the role, with a wide range of diverse stakeholders and partners. Relationships and making connections is my strength, so I’m going to really enjoy meeting everyone involved in the Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code, and bringing the right people together to make a difference.
What do you find most challenging?
Not only learning all the names of the people I’ve met, but getting up to speed with the terminology and acronyms.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
The fact that I’m making a difference to the safety systems of our marine environment was a key reason why I took on the role.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
Getting this job! I think my father would be incredibly proud of me. He was a Master Mariner and also worked as a Marine Operations Manager in later years. If he were here, he’d be chewing my ear off over a cup of strong coffee about every aspect of the ports and harbours he loved working in for 40 years.
What is your biggest achievement to date (personal or professional)?
My personal achievement would have to be managing to bring up two successful and well-rounded children by myself over the past 12 years. Professionally, I didn’t ever know what I wanted to be when I ‘grew-up’, so my biggest achievement is finding myself in a career which is fulfilling and makes a difference.
What are the values that drive you?
‘Integrity’ pretty much sums it up, and ‘perseverance’ and ‘patience’ come in close behind.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Relaxing! Í also enjoy travelling when I can, either literally or through reading.
Kayla Doherty
Senior Advisor Exemptions, Regulatory Licensing
If you’ve applied for an exemption in recent months, chances are your application landed on the desk of Senior Advisor, Kayla Doherty.
Dedicated to “all things exemptions”, Kayla is particularly proud of her role in creating exemptions during the COVID-19 lockdowns, enabling “some impacted industry participants and seafarers to keep working through a period of large uncertainty.”
Here’s Kayla on how she came to be working in the Regulatory Licensing team, what she finds most rewarding about her role, and why she likes working for the maritime industry.
How long have you worked for Maritime NZ?
I’ve been with Maritime NZ just shy of three years, starting in the policy team before taking an opportunity to move into Regulatory Licensing. My initial role gave me a great foundation and understanding of the regulatory framework, including the wide range of maritime and marine protection rules. I’ve found this very helpful in my current position.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
All things exemptions. This mostly includes day-to-day oversight of the exemptions process, as well as assessing and making decisions on applications. Another focus stems from changes made to the Maritime Transport Act 1994 exemption provisions, as part of the Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Act 2021. In light of these changes, what used to be a general exemption is now considered a class exemption, which comes with additional considerations and processes. As a result, we’re currently reviewing all general exemptions, which is likely to generate a mix of rule change proposals, class exemptions, and other regulatory responses.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I like the variety and complexity. Every application is different, and considering the information and advice provided against the exemptions criteria can be challenging. But it’s equally rewarding, because I feel like I’m contributing to our safe, secure, and clean outcomes.
What do you find most challenging?
Navigating different legislation can be tricky. Some of the real and perceived administration burdens can also lead to challenges when we’re working against set timeframes for processing applications.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
The maritime industry is passionate group, which I think is a reflection of how important the industry is to New Zealand. I appreciate the energy and enthusiasm they bring to the work.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
I’m proud of my contribution to the wider COVID-19 response through issuing exemptions, especially during the lockdowns last year. These exemptions enabled some impacted industry participants and seafarers to keep working through a period of large uncertainty.
What is your biggest achievement to date (personal or professional)?
Moving to New Zealand by myself and managing to establish a great life here, while still maintaining a close relationship with my family and friends back home (I’m very thankful for technology and FaceTime).
What are the values that drive you?
Respect, honesty, patience, and a good sense of humor.
Please tell us a bit about your background...
I was born and raised in Canada where I (stereotypically) worked for an ice hockey organisation, utilising my background in sport, and my Masters of Business degree. I made a major pivot in my career when I moved to New Zealand around six years ago, and have been working in various government roles ever since. This includes an exemptions role at the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I enjoy spending time with my dog, including any outdoor adventure. I also played soccer quite competitively throughout my life. My glory days are over but I still enjoy it and have a lot of love for the game.
Briar Foster
Business Operations Coordinator, Maritime Incident Readiness and Response
“I’m currently involved in a project to automate incident response activation, and looking at new software that will improve the way response teams communicate during major incidents.”
Briar Foster has been part of Maritime NZ for over fifteen years, and is now a key member of our Maritime Incident Readiness and Response Team. Among other things, she plays a crucial role in helping to ensure that national responders are fully trained and ready to act, in the event of a major incident.
Briar gives us insight into her career at Maritime NZ, the many tasks she turns her hand to on any given day, and why developing guidance and responder training is one of her top priorities.
Please tell us a bit about your background...
With a background in business administration, my first role at Maritime NZ involved supporting the general manager of Maritime Operations, as well as the maritime safety inspectors, and the Safety Management Systems and Certification teams. I was part of the operational / compliance side of the organisation, up until around five years ago when I took up a role in the Safety Response Systems group, while also supporting incident response capability. I’m now full time with the Maritime Incident Readiness and Response team.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
There isn’t such a thing as a typical day – my main tasks are: organising incident response training opportunities; arranging response workshops, including helping to develop supporting materials; tracking invoicing and budgets for the team; training staff on WebEOC (emergency management software); and working on WebEOC development.
I’m currently involved in a project to automate incident response activation, and looking at new software that will improve the way response teams communicate during major incidents.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I like the variety, and now that restrictions around COVID-19 are relaxing, being able to see people in person, both domestically and internationally.
What do you find most challenging?
COVID-19 has certainly been challenging over the past few years, as it restricted response training and impacted relationship building. We also had to find different ways to run workshops. In general, the biggest challenge is getting our teams to prioritise incident response training – there’s a lot going on at Maritime NZ and our work is not always seen as the priority, as we don’t respond to maritime incidents every day.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
I enjoy meeting people in person, particularly if my only contact with them to date has been by email and phone. It’s always good to put a face to a name.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
I’ve been around so long it’s hard to pick just one moment. Any work that unifies or is used by staff or responders is always a good moment. If I had to pick one thing, it’s probably administration and WebEOC support for the Maritime Incident Response Team. I’ve been developing this since starting at Maritime NZ, when I was thrown into an incident with no training and decided to develop a one-pager for next time. I continued to develop guidance and response support staff training until I ended up in a role that allowed me to do this as a job.
What is your biggest achievement to date (personal or professional)?
My biggest achievement to date would be my Associate Diploma of the New Zealand Speech Board in the Theory and Practice of Speech and Drama, which I completed a few years after seventh form. My mum put me into speech and drama lessons at a young age to help me learn to speak properly and build my confidence. I also used to compete in the Hutt Valley competitions, which didn’t come naturally to me, but I persevered and ended up a final nominee for a National Young Performer of the Year Award. It’s an experience that gave me both highs and lows, and had a big impact on the person I became.
What are the values that drive you?
I believe in following through on my commitments and putting in my best effort – I don’t care if we’re 10 points down in a netball game, I’ll play to the bitter end, putting in 100% until the final whistle.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Mostly I enjoy reading, watching a good movie or TV series, or playing a board game (basically sitting on my bum and relaxing). On the flip side, I’m usually doing some sort of DIY work around the house – it’s not always fun, but satisfying once completed. I’ll be back to painting the outside of the house when winter is over.
Peter Hatton
Principal Advisor – Technical, Regulatory Systems Design Team, 40-Series Reform Project
“I have a passion for the maritime industry; it’s been my whole career and I have a strong affinity for ships, boats and water craft of all sorts.”
Principal Advisor Peter Hatton draws on his surveyor and naval architect background to provide technical feedback and assurance for the 40-Series Reform Project – a multi-year project to reshape the rules governing domestic commercial vessels’ design, construction and equipment. He’s been part of the team for a year now, and enjoys “thinking hard and in depth” about issues and coming up with solutions or improvements.
Peter tells us what he likes most about working for Maritime NZ and why he feels both personally and professionally invested in the maritime industry.
Please tell us a bit about your background…
I’m a naval architect, however, I spent most of my career before joining Maritime NZ (14 years) as a class surveyor. I was Lead Surveyor on several large new vessel construction projects, although, much of my time was dedicated to existing ship surveys on all sorts of vessels, including massive cargo ships and cruise liners, luxury yachts to navy vessels, and fishing trawlers to tugs. I was also a ‘recognised’ Maritime NZ surveyor for MOSS vessels for three years prior to joining Maritime NZ.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
The 40-Series Reform Project consumes most of my time. It’s a huge and complex project so there is always something to focus on. I provide a lot of technical feedback and assurance across the project but I also have my own work. At the moment I’m working on proposals for our stability, freeboard and drainage rules.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I feel very fortunate to be able to draw on my years of practical experience as a surveyor and naval architect and I really enjoy thinking hard and in depth about an issue or problem and hopefully working out a solution or improvement that can be made.
What do you find most challenging?
Sometimes the project seems so big it can at times be overwhelming!
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
I have a passion for the maritime industry; it’s been my whole career and I have a strong affinity for ships, boats and water craft of all sorts. I’ve always been attracted to the ocean environment – sailing and surfing are a big part of my life – so I feel personally as well as professionally invested in this industry.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
That’s a tough one, but probably my first day. I felt proud to be joining Maritime NZ in this role, to have the opportunity to make a positive impact across the organisation and the maritime industry.
What is your biggest achievement to date?
I don’t really feel any standout individual achievements, but as a whole, I’m happy with where I am. Although, now that I have my own two young children who are full on, I’m reminded of the adventures I used to have as a kid and I think that surviving my own adolescence might be my greatest achievement!
What are the values that drive you?
Doing the right thing matters to me. I have strong moral and ethical principles. I like to do things properly and do them well, not by halves.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I enjoy a lot of things. I love the mountains and great outdoors and lately it’s been great skiing with family and friends, but I have too many interests to name: windsurfing, SUPing, skiff sailing, trail running, mountain biking, mountain climbing, motorcycles, bouldering, playing football… the list goes on. My life motto is “he who dies with the most toys wins”.
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Pete Dwen
Investigations Manager
“As a former seafarer, I can identify with the challenges of working at sea, and I have a genuine desire to help make things safer,” says Investigations Manager, Pete Dwen.
Seafaring is in Pete’s blood. Not only did he follow his father into the Navy, he and his father served on the same ship (though many years apart). A keen surfer, Pete is also committed to helping keep the marine environment as clean as possible. He joined our crew nearly five years ago and draws on his extensive experience to lead our Investigations team.
We talked to Pete about his varied career - which included everything from Ordinary Hydrographic Assistant in the Royal New Zealand Navy, to Police Officer for the Hampshire Constabulary in the UK - what he enjoys most about his role, and why he’s “always been passionate for all things maritime”.
Please tell us a bit about your background...
My background is quite varied, so I’ll focus on the things that have assisted me in this role. I joined the Royal New Zealand Navy in the nineties, as an Ordinary Hydrographic Assistant and the following year, I entered officer training as I held a relevant University Degree. I was a Seaman Officer and trained in ship handling and navigation (including pilotage), as well as leadership. During my time in the Navy I served on various ships, including HMNZS Monowai and I was part of the final ship’s company on HMNZS Wellington before she was decommissioned.
When I left the Navy, I travelled back to the UK where I’d previously lived for five years, and joined the Hampshire Constabulary as a Police Officer. The Police gave me a solid foundation in investigation skills, which I brought back to New Zealand. I then joined the Ministry of Fisheries as a Fisheries Investigator, a role which morphed into Senior Investigator when the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) was formed. I spent six years at MPI before joining Maritime NZ as a Specialist Investigator in 2017. The following year, I started acting as the team manager, and I was subsequently successful in applying for the substantive role as Manager Investigations.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
No two days are the same in this job. But, I tend to start early as I’m naturally a morning person and I prefer working in the Wellington office when I can. As a manager, I get involved in a lot of meetings and working groups, so I try to work around those. My team investigates the larger, more complex and higher profile incidents, so I need to be across those. I share this responsibility with my Principal Investigator, who keeps a closer eye on the day-to-day and operational matters, while I look at broader issues. When we have a large investigation, I need to ensure we have enough people able to respond, as well as making sure they are well supported.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
People management - I really enjoy working with an awesome team of dedicated and passionate professionals. I’m also by nature quite nosy, so I love finding out why things happen and what can be done to make systems and places safer.
What do you find most challenging?
More recently, it’s been trying to ensure the members of my team can do their jobs under the restrictions of COVID-19.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
I’ve always been passionate about all things maritime. My father was in the Navy for 20 years (we even served on the same ship - although many years apart) so it’s in my blood. As a former seafarer I can identify with the challenges of working at sea, and I have a genuine desire to help make things safer. As a surfer, the marine environment is something I’m keen to keep as clean as possible.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
I hired most of the people in my team - and they are all great. So, building a great team is something I’m quite proud of.
What are the values that drive you?
Honestly, integrity, commitment and respect (I took three of those from the Maritime NZ values, but they really do resonate with me).
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I love to take my Jeep out with mates from my 4x4 club and get muddy and have fun. I also surf and am keen on fitness, which includes taking my dog to the river for a long walk and swim most weekends.
Ian Lancaster
Principal Advisor Technical (International)
“I can see the light at the end of the tunnel for the safety of ships’ cranes work I’ve been involved in since New Zealand initiated the project with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2007. This will plug a significant gap and improve the safety of stevedores and seafarers globally.”
The safety of ships’ cranes is one of many projects Ian Lancaster, Principal Advisor Technical (International), has turned his hand to since he joined our crew almost 21 years ago. Engaging with the international shipping industry remains his main focus, and he rates his appointment, as ‘New Zealand alternative permanent representative’ to the IMO as his proudest moment.
Here, Ian discusses the many roles he’s experienced at Maritime NZ, the “epiphany moment” he enjoys when working with the maritime industry, and...how much he wants to ride his bike.
Please tell us a bit about your background
I’m English by birth, and I trained as a naval architect with the UK’s Ministry of Defence to build warships and nuclear submarines. I moved to New Zealand in 1995 and worked for a private ship survey company approving the designs of commercial ships. Then, in 2001, some may say I was “poacher turned gamekeeper” when I joined Maritime NZ (then known as the Maritime Safety Authority).
I’ve now been at Maritime NZ for almost 21 years in a range of roles, which has almost come to a complete circle. I started out as Technical Advisor before becoming Manager of Rules, Manager of Rules and International Engagement, Manager of International Relations, Principle Advisor International and now, Principle Advisor Technical (International).
Also, this year I finally got around to getting that piece of paper that says I’m a Kiwi.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
What’s a typical day at Maritime NZ? I don’t think it exists, especially not for the Maritime Systems Assurance group. I mainly deal with issues from Maritime NZ’s engagement with the United Nations’ IMO, but because I have deep institutional knowledge and broad experience, I provide advice and aid wherever it’s needed.
One task I’m currently focusing on is the upcoming 105th session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee, which will be held online in the UK time zone for eight working days. The Committee will discuss a wide range of topics, including the impacts of the Russia / Ukraine conflict, autonomous ships, domestic ferry safety, goal-based standards, and the cost of the dissemination of Maritime Safety Information and search and rescue-related information.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Two things: the variety of problems that need to be solved, and being able to make a positive contribution and difference to safe, clean, and secure shipping in New Zealand and globally.
What do you find most challenging?
One of my pet hates is ‘administrative burden’. This has been an ongoing challenge throughout my 21 years at Maritime NZ, and will remain a challenge, as we can always do better. I’ve not just tried to improve Maritime NZ’s internal administrative burdens by introducing effective and efficient processes and practices in the areas I’ve worked, but also in IMO negotiations. I’ve looked for ways to ensure that global treaties are easily implementable by a state and the industry.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
The epiphany moment - when someone in the industry, Maritime NZ, or even myself, has that moment of learning or understanding. When a problem is raised, I enjoy the discussion and debate that results in the meeting of minds, particularly if the parties involved were at opposite corners of the ring to start with.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
Being appointed ‘New Zealand alternative permanent representative’ to the IMO in 2013.
What is your biggest achievement to date?
It hasn’t quite been achieved yet, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel for the safety of ships’ cranes work I’ve been involved in since New Zealand initiated the project at IMO in 2007. We expect the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) amendments (to include ships’ cranes in the survey requirements) will be adopted by July 2024 and take effect in 2026. This work will plug a significant gap and improve the safety of stevedores and seafarers globally.
What are the values that drive you?
Beyond the Maritime NZ values of respect, integrity and commitment, I try to apply three further values or principles to my work:
- touch it once - pick a task up, do the job, and send it on its way
- treat others as I’d like to be treated, and
- be patient - as the Mainland cheese ad says, ‘good things take time’ (refer to my answer to the ‘biggest achievement’ question above).
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
When not working:
I want to ride my bicycle.
I want to ride my bike.
I want to ride my bicycle.
I want to ride it where I like.
Thanks to Queen for their lyrics to the Bicycle Race.
Stuart Day
Chief Advisor of Regulatory Policy
“As a trading nation a long way from our main markets, a smooth operating supply chain is critical for New Zealanders to earn a living, and have a range of product choices.”
Chief Advisor of Regulatory Policy, Stuart Day, loves “working for a sector that has a very direct impact on New Zealand’s wellbeing,” and, though he’s relatively new to Maritime NZ, already feels as though he can make a difference. He’s currently involved in the cross-agency Maritime Border Programme, leading the advice on how and when cruise travel can safely return to New Zealand.
Here’s Stuart on his role in the Maritime Border Programme, two of his proudest moments since joining our crew last October, and why his key aim at Maritime NZ is to “deliver is public value”.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
My current work is to support the Maritime Border Programme which focuses on what the border management arrangements are required to be after New Zealand’s Omicron peak. The programme is a cross-agency effort that reports to the Border Executive Board and Reconnecting New Zealand Ministerial Group. My role is to lead the advice on how and when cruise travel can safely return to New Zealand.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy working with great people and a freedom that allows me to drive the work as best as I can (within the usual constraints). I also love working within a small agency where the Executive Team is visible and available. It feels as though I can make a difference at Maritime NZ.
What do you find most challenging?
Cross-agency work programmes can sometime descend into a bureaucratic maze with different people coming and going. Cross-government coordination can often be difficult, given agencies have their own, and sometimes differing, priorities. There’s nothing new about this, though. We just need to persevere and keep focused on what we’re working to achieve.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
I love working for a sector that has a very direct impact on New Zealand’s wellbeing. For example, the maritime sector is critical to the smooth operating of the goods supply chain. As a trading nation a long way from our main markets, a smooth operating supply chain is critical for New Zealanders earning a living and also having a range of product choices.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
It’s early days, but I’m proud of two things so far. I had a hand in crafting two of our four budget bids for Budget 2022 that look like they might be successful. More recently, I’ve led an engagement process with the cruise industry, port companies and regional tourism organisations to explore what would be required for cruise travel to return to New Zealand. Industry feedback has been very positive, which is a credit to the industry for the open and transparent way they’ve engaged, and to the officials from other agencies who have also been willing to engage in open and constructive dialogue.
What’s your biggest achievement to date?
On a personal level, I shot 66 around Martinborough golf course a while ago, which I’ve never achieved (or will likely achieve) again. It was also great at the time to finish a couple of degrees in public policy.
More recently, I’ve undertaken two regulatory system assessments while at Land Information New Zealand, which identified areas in those systems that need to be improved. Both were well received and published.
What are the values that drive you?
Apart from honesty and integrity, the key thing I’m here to do at Maritime NZ is deliver is public value.We’re paid by the tax/levy payer so we have a duty to New Zealand to steward those funds wisely. Delivering public value for the salary I receive is critical to that stewardship role. I also value a collegial work environment and Maritime NZ is excellent in that regard. I work with a number of very capable and dedicated people which encourages me to do my best.
Tell us a bit about your background...
I guess I’m a career public servant. In early 2005, I started my first public sector role as a policy analyst at ACC and since then I’ve worked in a range of agencies such as the Department of Labour, Ministry of Fisheries, and Ministry for Primary Industries and, more latterly, Land Information New Zealand. Between 2014 and 2016, I managed Royal Wellington Golf Club, which was an interesting role, albeit slightly ‘out of my lane’.
I have three children - Mila (10), Berlin (11), and Roman (13) - and a partner, Caroline.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Caroline and I are renovating a 1902 two-story villa in central Newtown. It’s a massive job, but I enjoy the building work. I’m currently finishing off skirtings and moldings around our front door which then need to be painted. I also love taking my 13-year-old son Roman to the nets at the basin reserve to work on his cricket; he has lofty ambitions to play professionally.
A New Zealand craft gin and soda is always nice on a sunny Friday evening.
Jessie Ward-Thomas
Certification Advisor
“I enjoy talking to seafarers, hearing their stories, and getting to know more about the industry we regulate.”
Certification Advisor,Jessie Ward-Thomas, has only been with Maritime NZ for close to a year, but in that time has supported many people getting into the industry, a process she finds “really rewarding”. She’s driven by “empathy and understanding” and believes these values are crucial for dealing with seafarers and their livelihoods.
Here’s Jessie on what she’s currently focusing on, the challenges of navigating the maritime rules as well as communicating their impact, and her biggest achievement to date.
Please tell us a bit about your background...
I grew up in Wellington, near the beach, and have always enjoyed being near the water. I worked for other government agencies before coming to Maritime NZ, including the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and ACC. However, this is the first regulatory agency I’ve worked for, and I’m enjoying the challenge.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
I’m working in the Seafarer Certification side of our team, focusing mostly on national certificates. I’m looking to start learning about the STCW tickets soon.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy talking to the seafarers, hearing their stories, and getting to know more about the industry we regulate. I also like being able to regularly work with the schools and other stakeholders.
What do you find most challenging?
My biggest challenge is navigating the maritime rules and being able to communicate how they impact seafarers, with our stakeholders, in a way that’s clear and easy to understand.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
Working at Maritime NZ has been a great introduction to the maritime industry. I take pride in playing a role in keeping New Zealand waters safe.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
There have been many moments, but being able to support people getting into the industry is really rewarding.
What is your biggest achievement to date?
In my role at DIA I was part of the team working on the Christchurch Mosque shooting Remembrance Service. Being able to work closely with the community and families that were impacted was a rewarding and eye opening experience.
What are the values that drive you?
Empathy and understanding - bringing those values into my work is important for dealing with seafarers and their livelihoods.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I play squash at a competitive level, which takes up a lot of my time. I also love the beach, and hanging out with friends and family.
Morwenna Vye
Maritime Officer
“I left New Zealand straight out of university, and entered the glitzy world of superyachts in the South of France, where I spent five years working towards my Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) qualifications.”
Morwenna Vye’s stint in France was just the start of her seafaring adventure. With her MCA qualifications under her belt, she went on to learn the ins and outs of the maritime industry in Italy, Malta, Australia and England before finally returning to New Zealand. She’s now based in Tauranga, where she keeps an eye on the safety practices of operators and recreational boaties at one of our busiest ports.
Here’s Morwenna on her extensive maritime background (which includes driving ‘awesome huge forklifts’ and most other shipyard machinery), what she’s focusing on at the moment, and what she enjoys most about being a maritime officer.
Please tell us a bit about your background…
I was Auckland born and started sailing from a young age. Sailing was always just a hobby, and included Optimists, Lasers and Solings, however, when the America’s Cup came to town in 2003, I was exposed to a whole industry that really intrigued me. Three years later I left New Zealand straight out of university, and entered the glitzy world of superyachts in the south of France, where I spent five years working towards my MCA qualifications. I then continued my adventure as a delivery skipper to loads of awesome locations around the world.
Moving to England in 2014, I worked for Sunseeker Yachts before managing a busy boatyard and drystack in Portsmouth. I’m qualified in driving those awesome huge forklifts (they can hold up to a 12 tonne boat) and most other shipyard machinery.
I’ve spent time in the maritime industry in France, Italy, Malta, Australia, England and am now finally home in New Zealand.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
A typical day for me starts bright and early with a hustle to get my two gorgeous boys up and ready for kindy. That’s where anything resembling ‘typical’ stops! Being a maritime officer in Tauranga has so much variety. It really is what makes our job so great!
I’m currently focusing on learning all the different aspects of the role before continuing my training to become a specialist maritime officer
What do you enjoy most about your role?
As mentioned, the job offers so much variety - no two days are the same. I’m really enjoying working with the domestic fleet in New Zealand, but also being able to help educate recreational boaties. I want to make sure they have an awesome time on the water, but also to return home safely at the end of their trip.
What do you find most challenging?
The most challenging part of the job is having to learn intricate details of the Maritime Transport Act 1994 and Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
I love being on the water!
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
I’ve only been with Maritime NZ for one year, but I’m sure there will be lots of proud moments in the future, especially working with such an awesome team. For now, as corny as it sounds, it’s being chosen to fill this role in Tauranga over so many incredible candidates.
What’s your biggest achievement to date?
Bringing my two beautiful boys into this world!
What are the values that drive you?
I try to remember that everyone has a story, and it’s not always abundantly clear what someone has been through in their lives. I think it’s important to be respectful and patient.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I wish I could say surfing, flowriding, wakeboarding, snowboarding and travelling, however, life is extremely busy for our little family right now. My husband has a startup company, and we’re both busy keeping up with our two little boys and awesome dog, Mia. So, for now it’s just about having little adventures with the family, camping, beach days and BBQs with friends.
Kent Smith
Deputy Compliance Manager
“Being part of the Compliance Systems Delivery team brings me into contact with all of Maritime NZ - the organisation really is a group of people committed to making things just that little bit better.”
Having started “mucking about in boats quite young”, Kent Smith already had a wealth of maritime experience by the time he joined our Auckland team in 2018. After one year as Maritime Officer, he became Deputy Compliance Manager, a role he still enjoys today. As well as learning new things, Kent relishes having the “the opportunity to effect change”.
Here’s Kent on his “relatively broad maritime background”, how a typical day in the office looks, and what makes him proud of Maritime NZ.
Please tell us a bit about your background…
I grew up in Auckland and started mucking around in boats quite young. As a teenager I was one of the first four cadets to be taken on by the Spirit of Adventure Trust, and with the assistance of the lighthouse tender MV Stella, I pulled together enough sea-time for my Commercial Launch Master. In short order, I gained a cadetship with P&O Containers and was shipped to Warsash, United Kingdom, aboard the mighty New Zealand Pacific (she also had one or two other names).
I stayed with P&O Nedlloyd for the obligatory two years, before very uncomfortably spreading my wings, working on a variety of vessels from dredgers to scientific research, and finally ending up in the North Sea as Second and then Chief Officer.
This introduced me to the world of Dynamic Positioning, which, while not being quite as flash as it sounds, resulted in many adventures in some downright dodgy parts of the world. I eventually came to my senses and migrated back to New Zealand to complete my Master Unlimited Certificate. After a short stint back out in the wide world, I started working in Australia and South East Asia in 2006, gaining my first command in 2008 with Farstad. I signed off from that career mid-2018 but in those twelve years I’d got married, worked for the Royal New Zealand Navy, had two bairns and moved my base back to New Zealand. Life was sweet.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
My day usually involves checking in with the maritime officers I work with, trawling notifications and triaging, and constantly juggling resources to meet changing demands. My home team is with the Compliance Systems Delivery deputy managers and principals, so on a daily basis we’re all working together to support our teams and progress on the group’s priorities.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy learning something new every day and having the opportunity to affect change.
What do you find most challenging?
My biggest challenge is trying to communicate in a language or manner that the people around me can easily understand, so they know where I’m coming from.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
I’ve been around boats for the larger part of my life, but no two sectors within the maritime industry are alike - the variety makes it both interesting and challenging. I come from a relatively broad maritime background and I hope some of the experience gained over that time can add value to what we do.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
I’m proud of how the organisation as a whole really tries to achieve our mission of ‘safe, secure and clean’. Being part of the Compliance Systems Delivery team brings me into contact with all of Maritime NZ - the organisation really is a group of people committed to making things just that little bit better.
If I was to pick one moment, it would be seeing the team collaboration unfold as we worked towards a successful outcome following a serious Maritime Labour Convention complaint. It required a lot of work, patience and empathy for all parties involved.
What are the values that drive you?
From a professional view, I do my best to live Maritime NZ’s core values of Respect, Commitment and Integrity. Sometimes I don’t get it all right at the same time, but I do try.
I endeavor to be a decent person, to be mindful that everybody has a back story and to be respectful of that.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I have two boisterous young boys (actually the eldest is sweet, but the youngest makes up for it!), so getting them out to burn energy is important. The whole family likes getting out on the water and enjoying everything the Hauraki Gulf has to offer.
I’m pretty comfortable in any type of boat, whether it be sail or power, but I prefer sailing dinghies, and want to get back out dinghy cruising as soon as I can.
Dave Billington
Manager - Pacific Maritime Safety Programme
“I was part of a large team of committed Maritime NZ staff and external stakeholders tasked with responding to New Zealand’s biggest maritime shipping incident.”
Dave Billington names his role in the Rena response and recovery as one of his proudest career moments at Maritime NZ. Ten years on, and after seventeen years with Maritime NZ, he’s still part of our crew - now supporting our Pacific neighbours as Manager of the Pacific Maritime Safety Programme.
Here’s Dave on his journey from fisherman - “the hardest job in the maritime sector” - to managing our Pacific Maritime Safety Programme, and some of his achievements along the way.
Please tell us a bit about your background…
I started my career at sea as an inshore fisherman then moved onto deep sea fishing, ending my fishing years as skipper.
At the start of the decline of the UK fishing industry I transferred into the Merchant Navy, and was the first UK fisherman to transfer as a watch keeping officer. I worked my way up the ranks and gained a UK Master Mariner qualification. I finished my sea-going career as a captain with P&O on class 2A roll-on roll-off passenger vessels in UK waters.
In 2004, I immigrated to New Zealand to take up a position with Maritime NZ as a maritime investigator. Since then I’ve worked in a number of roles for Maritime NZ, including sitting on the Executive Team as Acting Deputy Director.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
As Manager of the Pacific Maritime Safety Programme, my job is to support our Pacific maritime neighbours with all sorts of maritime capacity building. The key focus is maritime safety and pollution prevention. A typical day involves a broad range of activities, including developing and supporting strategic direction, capacity building, coaching, mentoring and training key stakeholders.
With no ability to travel for the foreseeable future, our team is working extensively to support our Pacific colleagues online via Teams and Zoom. This is challenging, particularly when you factor in technical limitations with some of the countries we work with. We’re fortunate to have great relationships with our Pacific partners and are making good progress, despite not being able to visit in person.
We’re currently focused on several significant projects, including a review of Pacific Maritime Safety Programme member countries’ maritime legislation and e-learning modules to support our training and education work. Our other key projects include legal reform, international regulations, vessel builds, and safety and maintenance systems - to name but a few.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy supporting an amazing Pacific Maritime Safety Programme team in delivering an effective and efficient safety programme in the Pacific.
What do you find most challenging?
COVID-19 has a significant impact on the programme, namely reducing our ability to travel. As a team we’ve always been agile and dynamic to ensure the individual Pacific Islands’ needs are met, along with the key objectives of the programme.
Adjusting and adapting to remote working while still adding value to the programme has involved a lot of creative thinking and change with regard to how the programme is delivered.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
I enjoy learning more about it. It’s a diverse sector with many different challenges, some of which require complex projects to deliver an improved safety outcome. Although I’ve been involved with the maritime sector for a number of years, I never stop learning.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
There have been many - too many to list - and it’s hard to specify one moment. However, at the top of the list would be managing the Pacific Maritime Safety Programme and being involved with an amazing team of creative individuals that add so much value to maritime safety in the Pacific.
Being involved with the Rena response and recovery was also a fantastic opportunity. I was part of a large team of committed Maritime NZ staff and external stakeholders tasked with responding to New Zealand’s biggest maritime shipping incident. Eventually, I was part of a team supporting the ‘long tail’ of the response and recovery, remaining in Tauranga after the Maritime NZ-led response to the initial incident and oil spill was wound down, to provide oversight of the salvage operation, which went on for many months.
What’s your biggest achievement to date (personal or professional)?
Professionally: I started my maritime career in the UK fishing industry with a limited educational background. It was a hard job, long hours, tough conditions and a dangerous environment. In fact, fishing has to be one of the hardest jobs in the maritime sector. I climbed the fishing industry ladder to skipper and, against all odds, managed to transfer into the Merchant Navy to further my career at sea. The journey from Fishing Boat Deckhand to Master Mariner and then to Captain of P&O Ferries was hard, involving many months and years of sea time, challenging study, and financial hardship.
My biggest personal achievement has to be meeting the love of my life (Sarah) in New Zealand and sharing the experience of having a wonderful daughter (Lucy) together. I do have to acknowledge the challenges both Sarah and Lucy face looking after a Northern Englishman who spent the best part of 20 years at sea is an even bigger achievement!
What are the values that drive you?
Professionally, I try my best to live Maritime NZ’s core values: Respect, Commitment and Integrity. I don’t always get it right, however, the PMSP team members are always quick to get me back on track.
Personally, I try my best to be a decent person, always see the good in life, and treat others with respect.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I enjoy hanging out with the family - they keep me busy and remind me about the values of life.
Paul Craven
Manager - Certification
“The Certification team is a fantastic bunch of people who genuinely care about the seafarers and operators they’re working with and will bend over backwards to help.”
Paul Craven joined Maritime NZ as Operation Support Officer at the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ (RCCNZ) in 2010. After working his way up through the ranks at RCCNZ and then leading our COVID-19 Response team, Paul has recently moved his attention to certification, and says improving the way the system works his “greatest priority”.
Below Paul fills us in on how his ‘sparky’ qualification led him to where he is today, and what he’s now focussing on as the manager of our Certification team.
When asked, I tell people I’m a ‘sparky by trade’, even though I haven’t practiced for a while now. I guess, like many mariners with qualifications, it’s because I’m proud of my trade. I worked hard to achieve the qualification, with four years of training, involving multiple exams in theory and legislation along with practical assessments.
I worked for 16 years directly in the trade, on the tools (including working on ships) and in various management roles. Then, after a stint as a sparky in Australia, I became an apprentice coordinator with the Electro-Technology Industry Training Organisation (ETITO), a job which evolved later into an area manager role. As well as being involved in training, qualification and certification development, I worked closely with the Electrical Registration Board and the Electrical Contractors Association.
In my private life, I was an avid sailor, racing everything from centre boarders, trailer sailors and keelers. I was also a Coastguard master, unit training officer and an accredited search and rescue tutor.
I combined my skills in search and rescue and training to take on a new role of Operational Support Officer at the RCCNZ, a division of Maritime NZ, in 2010. Over the next ten years, I progressed to Training Manager, Operations Manager and, for the final six months, Acting Manager of RCCNZ and Safety Services.
After COVID-19 reached our shores, I formed a new team at Maritime NZ to help with the all-of-government response. Our regular meetings with port managers and stevedore companies, as well as fishing, pilots, cruise and shipping agent associations, gave me a good understanding of the pressures the maritime industry faces.
Then a couple of months ago, I welcomed the opportunity to manage the Certification team. It’s a team I have a lot of synergy for as I know what it’s like to work in a licenced and regulated industry, from both sides of the fence - as a sparky, and as the organisation issuing the certificates and working with the regulator.
The Certification team is a fantastic bunch of people who genuinely care about the seafarers and operators they’re working with and will bend over backwards to help. But I’m also aware that aspects of the certification and exemptions processes need work. Maritime NZ also recognises this and, as you’ll read in this issue of SeaChange, we’ve started work on the ‘Certification Transformation’ project, which is designed to greatly improve the process. As the manager, I can assure you that these changes are my highest priority.
Rere Hammond
COVID-19 Recovery Team Manager
“COVID-19 has created so much chaos and uncertainty, and being part of a team that found solutions to problems affecting the maritime industry has been extremely rewarding.”
Rere Hammond has spent the past six months leading our COVID-19 Recovery Team, a role she is particularly proud of. “It’s been an honour to work with a group of subject matter experts who are dedicated to supporting the industry and prepared to go the extra distance,” she says.
Having grown up on Paraparaumu Beach, Rere says water has always been a big part of her life. Below she tells us more about what lured her to Maritime NZ and what her role as the manager of our COVID-19 Recovery Team entailed.
How long have you worked for Maritime NZ?
I joined Maritime NZ two years ago, and have been in the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Teams since February 2020. At the end of July, I’ll finish my secondment with the COVID-19 Recovery Team and take up a new role as Principal Advisor with the Sector Engagement and Collaboration Team.
Please tell us a bit about your background...
I grew up on Paraparaumu Beach and many of our weekends were spent at the Kapiti Boating Club with our little Starling yacht. My father owned a transport company in Upper Hutt when I was little and on the days I got to hang out with him on the truck, I always enjoyed the trips to the port (back before safety and security was a major consideration). Watching the vessels come and go and the straddle carriers in operation always mesmerised me.
My wider family has always been involved in the maritime sector, from the merchant navy to deep sea fishing vessels. My first holiday job was on the wet fish line at Sealord, sometimes processing fish off the fishing vessel my own brother was on.
Water is a big part of my life, and joining Maritime NZ seemed like a natural fit so when the opportunity came up, I jumped at it.
Before Maritime NZ, I spent eight years at Fire and Emergency (NZ Fire Service). I worked with the Operational Leadership Team managing the National Coordination Centre that operates during large events and disasters, both domestically and internationally (where the New Zealand Urban Search and Rescue teams were deployed). I was keen to stay involved in emergency response when I joined Maritime NZ, and was invited to lead the Maritime Incident Response Team’s planning function. This then led me to being part of the original Maritime NZ COVID-19 Response Team as the Planning Manager, before joining the Recovery Team.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
Typical day...that’s a good question. The only constant is my team and I meet every weekday morning to look at what’s at the top of the priority list for the day and week.
I spend a lot of my day meeting with other border agencies and stakeholders, and reviewing current matters. Gathering and sharing information is a big part of our role and leading a team that engages with the industry both in person or virtually, or through newsletters and emails is an important part of each day.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Problem solving. COVID-19 created so much chaos and uncertainty at the beginning (and still does even now), and being part of a team that found solutions to problems affecting the maritime industry has been extremely rewarding.
One of my team’s primary objectives is to support the recovery of the maritime industry, and we’ve worked hard to meet that objective. We’ve had a number of small wins and slightly bigger wins, and these make it all worth it.
What do you find most challenging?
The uncertainty of COVID-19 has been the biggest challenge. We have no end date for this, and are very aware of the curve balls the virus may throw at us. Being able to prepare and plan for certain situations and how they may play out involves a lot of consultation with the All-of-Government COVID Response Team, our COVID-19 Recovery Team, and Maritime NZ colleagues.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
I really can’t narrow it down to one thing. The industry is full of hard working and down to earth people.
I love that lifelong friendships and strong connections are formed in the maritime industry, and it’s amazing how most people you meet seem to have a link to Ngawi or the Waterloo Tavern.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
I’ve had many proud moments in Maritime NZ, but having the opportunity to lead the COVID-19 Recovery Team was the proudest moment for me. It’s been an honour to work with a group of subject matter experts who are dedicated to supporting the industry and prepared to go the extra distance.
What is your biggest achievement to date?
My husband and I have raised five amazing human beings who have grown, or are growing, into confident and kind people.
What are the values that drive you?
Authenticity. I believe that if you have a genuine interest in what you do and the people you interact with, you build up a better understanding and appreciation of their own drivers.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I’m a chef by trade, so my kitchen is my happy place. It’s not unusual for me to spend an entire Sunday cooking and baking.
I also enjoy spending time with my teenagers, who are still quite happy to be seen in public with me.
Kirstie Hewlett
“The maritime industry is a critical contributor to New Zealand’s social, cultural and economic outcomes and future prosperity, whether through the movement of vital freight, connecting people to jobs and social opportunities, recreational and tourism activity, or via the sectors that rely on the sea.”
“I’m looking forward to helping to deliver these outcomes and to making the sector a success by ensuring the important regulatory foundations on which they stand work well to manage safety, security and environmental sustainability,” says Kirstie Hewlett, Maritime NZ’s new Director and Chief Executive.
We asked Kirstie about everything from the skills and experience she’s bringing to her new role and what she’s planning to focus on first, to her biggest achievement to date and her ‘mission’ in life.
What are you most looking forward to about stepping into the role of Maritime NZ’s Chief Executive?
I’m looking forward to having the ability to make a difference to the maritime sector and the opportunity to lead a respected organisation with committed people.
What skills and experience will you bring to the role?
I bring strong regulatory experience from having worked for over 20 years on regulatory design and implementation in a number of sectors. I also bring a passion for improving safety, after experiencing the impacts of regulatory failure on families and communities. I have some knowledge, and experience, of working with the maritime sector, and a strong track record of partnering with stakeholders to deliver positive system change.
What are you planning to focus on during the first few months?
Besides focusing on getting the basics of the Director role nailed, I want to spend my first few months getting out and about and meeting people from Maritime NZ and the stakeholders who work with Maritime NZ. I’m keen to understand people’s perspectives of what’s working well, what needs to change, and how people want to work with the organisation.
What do you anticipate will be your biggest challenge?
Managing expectations. There is a range of future challenges in relation to maritime emissions, security, and how the ocean is managed, various views on how we could continue to enhance how we work with other regulators and the sector, funding and other issues from COVID-19 that need to be addressed, and the list goes on. The challenge will be working with the organisation, sector, and other agencies, to ensure we continue as a robust regulator, and have a shared view on priorities, as well as a realistic plan for addressing these over the next few years.
What appeals to you most about working for the maritime industry?
The maritime industry is a critical contributor to New Zealand’s social, cultural and economic outcomes and future prosperity, whether through the movement of vital freight, connecting people to jobs and social opportunities, recreational and tourism activity, or via the sectors that rely on the sea. The key thing that appeals to me in working with the maritime industry is helping to deliver these outcomes and making the sector a success by ensuring the important regulatory foundations on which they stand work well to manage safety, security and environmental sustainability.
What’s your ‘mission’ in life?
To positively impact the staff, sector, and New Zealand as a whole, in every job I undertake.
Which one word best describes you?
Invested.
What’s your biggest accomplishment (professional or personal)?
I led the design and implementation of an international air freight scheme which has kept planes flying to and from New Zealand during COVID-19. The Scheme has helped to ensure that exporters reach markets offshore, medicines keep coming to NZ, and businesses get the crucial imports they need to keep operating. It has also supported the ongoing operation of our aviation system, kept vital links to Pacific countries, and helped thousands of New Zealanders come home.
What are the values that drive you?
Service, integrity, collaboration and courage.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I have two children in their early teens, so the parent taxi service I run keeps me pretty busy. I also enjoy travelling and gardening.
Natasha Hallett
“To be able to champion port security, as well as support and show women they have a role to play in this industry is awesome,” Senior Advisor Natasha Hallett says of winning a Women in Security Award in 2020.
The award, which recognised Natasha’s commitment to improving maritime security in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, is just one of her many achievements since joining Maritime NZ eight years ago.
Here’s Natasha on what her typical day looks like, the challenges she faces, particularly during the current COVID-19 environment, and her proudest moment (apart from hearing she’d won the award).
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
A typical day? Well, that varies a lot (which is a good thing for my personality type), but mostly I’m in the office, attending either all-of-government meetings or virtual meetings with the Pacific Island countries and the United States Coast Guard. Once the borders are open again, I’ll spend a mix of my time in the Pacific while virtually attending all-of-government meetings back in New Zealand.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
The enjoyment I get from my role stems from lots of things, but the major contributor is the people I interact with. Whether I’m working out in the ports, in the Pacific, or in meetings across government, it’s the people that make my role enjoyable and support the success that follows.
What do you find most challenging?
COVID-19 environment aside, the aspects I find most challenging are dealing with people who are not open to flexing. The maritime sector is not static, nor black and white, and the ability to flex becomes really important to ensure you’re considering all possibilities.
In the COVID-19 environment, my number one challenge is attending meetings online. Virtual meetings don’t provide me with the ability to read rooms and identify those important social cues. I also miss the general watercooler conversations - they provide more situational awareness than people realise.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
I enjoy the variety of the work and the opportunities to learn about different parts of the industry. The very fact that it’s such a huge, varied playground means there will always be learning opportunities.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
Assisting a Pacific Island country in enhancing its maritime security capability is what I’m most proud of. It’s been an honour to be in a position to help create an environment that allows that country to enhance its potential, and to then see that potential grow over the years.
There are some other moments I’d love to highlight but I can’t, so I’ll just say ‘relationships’. It goes back to the connections you make and having the ability to reach out with trust at any given time and get the support you need.
What is your biggest achievement to date?
My biggest professional achievement is winning the Executive section of the Women in Security Awards Aotearoa 2020. To be able to champion port security, as well as support and show women they have a role to play in this industry is awesome.
What are the values that drive you?
While I could list all my values, I thought I’d take a different approach and discuss the outcomes I seek to achieve to be the ‘real’ me. The term ‘meta-leadership’ was introduced to me during my study in emergency management - it’s a leadership framework and practice method traditionally used in crisis situations. To me though, not only should it be used in times of crisis, it should be utilised in peacetime. It’s this that drives me.
The Harvard Kennedy School defines the framework holistically as “intentionally linking and leveraging the efforts of the whole community to galvanise a valuable connectivity that achieves unity of purpose and effort.” The values that are needed to ensure this occurs are important too.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
When I’m not working I spend time with my family and friends. I also love travelling (when it’s permitted), and I continue to undertake postgraduate study with a few local college night classes thrown in for fun.
Please tell us a bit about your background…
Prior to working for Maritime NZ, I was with the NZ Police for just over 10 years. During this time, I had a variety of roles and spent my final years in the intelligence and national security areas. I was also involved in incident response in the intelligence team which included participating in all-of-government exercises.
Brendan Comerford
“Watching new entrants develop from nervous ‘newbies’ into confident world-class distress and safety communicators, while also observing their growth in competency is still very exciting,” says Maritime Operations Centre Manager, Brendan Comerford.
Brendan has managed the Maritime Operations Centre as part of Kordia, Maritime NZ’s technology partner, since 2003. Even though he’s been involved in safety communications since high school, he says he never stops learning. He reads every incident report and still gets “inspired by the whole ‘human factor’ in search and rescue”.
Here’s Brendan on the strong relationship between Kordia and Maritime NZ, the joys of working in the maritime industry and the challenges of working in search and rescue - “even resilient, robust people can be affected by some of the incidents they’re involved in...It’s all too easy to take the macho attitude, but sometimes people can start to hurt. Making it safe for people to say “actually, I’m not OK” is ongoing work.
How long have you worked with Maritime NZ?
I’ve been Manager of the Maritime Operations Centre since 2003, but have been associated with Maritime NZ since 1985, when it was the Maritime Transport Division of the Ministry of Transport.
I commenced with Kordia as one of the original radio operators in the Maritime Operations Centre in 1993, and before that I spent 10 years as a Morse operator in the previous Coast Station Service. I’d like to take this opportunity to correct an urban myth: when the Coast Station Service was established in 1911, I was not on shift...
Can you explain the relationship between Kordia and Maritime NZ?
Kordia has been associated with Maritime NZ since 1993. Maritime NZ is the customer and Kordia has become its technology partner in maritime communications and network provision.
Long-term relationships don’t happen by chance and are only sustainable if they’re based on common interests, and both parties are committed to a successful outcome. Having regular check-ins, open communication and trust are also key. We’ve spent a few years together, have acted as a single, combined Maritime NZ resource (Rescue Coordination Centre NZ/ Maritime Operations Centre) as and when required, and have a mutual respect for the strengths that both parties bring to the relationship.
I’ve been lucky enough to mingle with many Maritime NZ staff and gain a wider understanding of the multiple activities Maritime NZ is involved in. This interaction across multiple levels in both organisations has added a special dynamic to the long-term shared path.
In short, there are a few stormy days, and on those days, the trust element is important.
From the Maritime Operations Centre’s perspective, we aim to be the solid partner working collaboratively with Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre, supporting the mutually desired outcomes, while still having the courage to be honest when improvements are needed. Established relationships and trust are most valued during the storm and not the calm. We talk a bit and meet up regularly…and this is for good reason.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I’ve been involved in safety communications since leaving school, yet I still learn something new on a daily basis. Watching new entrants in the Maritime Operations Centre develop from nervous ‘newbies’ into confident world-class distress and safety communicators, while also observing their growth in competency is still very exciting. I also read every incident report and still get inspired by the whole “human factor” in search and rescue.
What do you find most challenging?
Search and rescue, in general, requires resilient and robust people, but it’s important to understand that even resilient, robust people can be affected by some of the incidents they’re involved in, and this can cause unwanted impacts, either at the time or in later years. It’s all too easy to take the macho attitude, but sometimes people can start to hurt. Making it safe for people to say “actually, I’m not OK” is ongoing work.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
When a mariner is in distress, the responder doesn’t have any filters of race, religion, politics, beliefs, status or orientation, and I think there’s some lesson in that.
I also get to observe committed professionals throughout the sector performing with dedication and commitment. Furthermore, there are long-term trusted relationships, and a sense of camaraderie with a garnish of fun and good humour.
What’s your biggest achievement to date?
Being a husband and father, and still being here.
What are the values that drive you?
There are only two elements in business: people and things. Only the first element requires permanent 100% focus.
Adele Whiterod
Principal Advisor Systems Thinking - Strategy, Planning and Governance
“I’m proud of my time as Registrar of Ships and knowing I helped people to fulfil their dreams - whether it was to bring a commercial vessel to New Zealand to start operating, or to take a yacht on that longed-for voyage to the Pacific Islands and beyond, ” says Principal Advisor Systems Thinking, Adele Whiterod.
Registrar of Ships is just one of many roles Adele has turned her hand to over the years. Having joined the Maritime Transport Division of the Ministry of Transport in 1991, she’s worked for Maritime NZ (and its predecessor) for nearly three decades.
Here’s Adele on the work she’s currently focusing on, the people in the maritime industry “who are doing their best to contribute to a really important sector”, and how she’s as passionate today about the work Maritime NZ does as she was 29 years ago.
Tell us a bit about your background...
I’m originally from the UK where I qualified and worked as a legal executive in law firms in central London. I arrived in New Zealand in December 1989 and in 1991 I secured the role of Assistant Ship Registration Officer, which appealed because of my legal background. I was the Registrar of Ships from 1994 to 2010, and I loved it! I then had a spell managing the-then Certification and Ship Registration Team, during which time I was introduced to a systems thinking approach called the Vanguard Method. I’ve since built on my passion for systems thinking and business improvement in my current role in the Strategy, Planning and Governance Team.
How long have you worked for Maritime NZ?
I’ve had the privilege of working for Maritime NZ (and its predecessor) for 29 years! I joined the Maritime Transport Division of the Ministry of Transport in 1991. It became the Maritime Safety Authority in 1993 before changing its name to Maritime NZ in 2005.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
My days are varied and currently involve a combination of working from home and in the office. I can be working on mapping processes, facilitating process improvement workshops, or supporting my team with performance reporting.
One of my current focuses is piloting a performance measurement methodology aimed at creating meaningful measures that help to tell our story and demonstrate our value as an effective regulatory, compliance and response agency. I’m working with an enthusiastic and talented group from across the organisation. It’s hard work but we have fun at the same time and we’re all learning heaps!
What do you enjoy most about your role?
The variety - and the fact that I get to work with so many amazing people across Maritime NZ. I like being able to help people to think about how they can improve their work and to see improvements come to fruition that benefit both our people and the people we serve.
What do you find most challenging?
The variety in my work means I’m often involved in a lot of things at the same time, which can be challenging. I try hard not to ‘drop the ball’ and to manage my time effectively. It certainly keeps my brain active.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
In my extensive experience working with the maritime industry, I’d say it’s the people. Without doubt, the maritime industry is full of passionate people who are doing their best to contribute to a really important sector. And I’d say the same about the people within Maritime NZ too!
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
It’s difficult to pick just one moment from the many years. I’m definitely proud of my time as Registrar of Ships and knowing I helped people to fulfil their dreams - whether it was to bring a commercial vessel to New Zealand to start operating, or to take a yacht on that longed-for voyage to the Pacific Islands and beyond.
What is your biggest achievement to date?
I think my long tenure at Maritime NZ is an achievement, and I’m as passionate today about what our organisation does as I was when I first joined 29 years ago.
What are the values that drive you?
Maritime NZ’s values - integrity, commitment and respect - really resonate with me. Perseverance is also important for me - keeping focused on achieving the goal, even if it means having to overcome obstacles along the way.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I enjoying swimming - not just for the fitness, but because it gives me time to think. I also like to cook, especially when the menu includes fresh fish caught by my husband and son off the beautiful Kapiti Coast.
Jean Keddy
Operations Coordinator
“I feel proud to work for an organisation that has the goals of ‘clean, safe, secure’,” says Operations Coordinator, Jean Keddy. “And although I may play only a small part, I go home at night feeling that my contribution has assisted us in working towards these goals.”
Six-plus years after joining Maritime NZ as part of the Investigations Team, Jean is now a crucial member of our Compliance Systems and Planning Group.
Here’s Jean on some of the work she’s currently involved in, what she enjoys most about working for Maritime NZ, as well as her love of sea kayaking, scuba diving and fishing.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
No two days are typical, and over the past six years my role has changed a lot. When I started, I was largely involved with the Maritime Operator Safety System (MOSS) and assisting with intelligence products on SOLAS vessels.
Now, as Operations Coordinator, I work closely with many external government agencies, including:
- The National Maritime Co-ordination Centre (NMCC) - a joint military/government agency group that assigns military assets to support agencies’ needs. For example, the group has tasked the Lady Liz vessel to conduct patrols for the ‘No Excuses’ recreational boating campaign, and enlisted P3 Orion aircraft to gather off-shore intelligence.
- The Combined Law Agency Group (CLAG) - an all-of-government group working to support government compliance and intelligence-gathering activities.
- The Integrated Targeting Operations Centre (ITOC) - a group made up of NZ Customs, Police, MPI and Maritime NZ that looks at security and environmental threats, predominately from international SOLAS vessels, as well as issues in and around the Pacific.
What do you like best about working for Maritime NZ?
I feel proud to work for an organisation that has the goals of ‘clean, safe, secure’, and although I may play only a small part, I go home at night feeling that my contribution has assisted us in working towards these goals - be that by tracking pending arrivals of poorly maintained vessels via our Vessel Alert System, or arranging a vessel inspection as a result of a Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) complaint.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
While working and raising a family, I spent eight years looking after my mother, who was suffering from Alzheimer’s. I was very grateful for all the support services during this time, so after my mother passed away - 10 years ago - I’ve devoted my spare time to giving back. I’ve worked for Meals on Wheels, Age Concern and, most recently, I’ve been spending my Friday nights preparing rooms for families arriving at Ronald McDonald House.
Fun facts about me:
My partner worked for Air New Zealand so my kids and I are fortunate enough to have travelled the world several times, visiting every continent (excluding war torn areas!) and most Pacific Islands.
I’ve also been tramping and exploring all over New Zealand - from Cape Reinga to Stewart Island. I have a sea kayak and enjoy paddling and fishing anywhere and everywhere I can. I live on the South Coast of the North Island, which is perfect for scuba diving, trail bike riding and fishing, not to mention awesome views.
Please tell us a bit about your background...
On returning from my OE, I worked as a consultant for Drake Personnel before moving to IBM and undertaking a variety of amazing roles during an eight-year tenure. In between raising kids, I studied for a Graduate Certificate of Human Resource Management at Australia’s Deakin University by correspondence. I then worked as a Human Resources Manager for 15 years before moving to NIWA as Logistics Coordinator for their three research vessels.
Louise Dooley
Chief Advisor Regulatory Policy
Louise Dooley came on board “around two weeks before the RENA incident” back in 2011.
Now our Chief Advisor of Regulatory Policy, Louise is currently working on a regulatory stewardship strategy and a range of proposed amendments to the Maritime Transport Act, among other things.
“My focus, and I hope my enduring legacy, is on improving the maritime regulatory system so that it’s best able to deliver on its purpose,” she says
Here’s Louise on what she enjoys most about her role, the challenges of juggling time-critical projects, her extensive background in central government regulatory policy… and her sheep, Heidi and Honey.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
I mostly work from home, and my day always starts with a slow walk across my land with my dog Nessa da Bear, an inspection of my trees, and letting out my beautiful black nose Valais sheep, Heidi and Honey.
I start early and I try to get in a couple of hours at least on ‘big’ papers or projects. I’m currently working on the initial draft of a regulatory stewardship strategy for Maritime NZ and have, until recently, been involved in the organisation’s management of maritime levies issues. I’m preparing short papers on a range of proposed amendments to the Maritime Transport Act, which will hopefully be advanced by the Ministry of Transport under a Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Bill in 2021. On an average day I receive one or two requests for advice on regulatory policy issues or review of policy papers, and I attend to those as quickly as possible.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy the autonomy and the ‘space’ I’m given to think in depth and detail. I really enjoy writing and research, and those things feature in my work. I also like the mix of planned and ad hoc work as that means I can ‘chip away’ at some of my bigger projects but also take a break from those and dive deep into discrete time sensitive pieces of work.
What do you find most challenging?
I like having lots on, but occasionally I’m in the position of juggling multiple time critical matters, and that can be mentally and physically challenging.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
I don’t see myself as working ‘for’ the maritime industry, but in my work I’m certainly aware of how important it is for regulated parties to be part of regulatory systems that are efficient, effective, proportionate, and responsive.
As a public servant, I ultimately work for the public (all New Zealanders using, working on, and playing on our coasts and waterways). My focus, and I hope my enduring legacy, is on improving the maritime regulatory system so that it’s best able to deliver on its purpose.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
After my work on the last Maritime NZ Funding Review I received a letter signed by all members of the Executive Team thanking me for my contribution. At the time I was doing the work (it was very hard work over many months) and saw myself as just doing my job - so it was an immense compliment and pleasant surprise to have my work acknowledged in this way.
What is your biggest achievement to date (personal or professional)?
The biggest thing - which is not so much an achievement, but a ‘getting to’ - is self-awareness and confidence in myself.
What are the values that drive you?
The Maritime NZ organisational values of integrity, respect and commitment very much resonate with me professionally and personally. Integrity - which for me is about being honest and being trustworthy - is probably my strongest driver and is very important to me doing my best work for Maritime NZ / the public.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I write poetry (never in iambic pentameter) and I read poetry or short stories pretty much every day. I walk my dogs a lot and enjoy spending time with my sheep. We have ten acres and there’s always lots of ‘land’ work needed - which I really enjoy.
My partner and I are also renovating a very big villa, as well as putting the finishing touches on the 130-year-old cottage we live in.
Please tell us a bit about your background...
I’m a career public servant and have worked in central government regulatory policy roles for 29 years, in such areas as food safety, the regulation of retirement villages, enduring powers of attorney, social security, social welfare, and lotteries and gaming. I have a Bachelor’s degree in English literature and human geography, and a Master’s degree in the epistemology of geography. I’ve also been progressing a law degree very very slowly. I intended to take a different sort of career path but am very happy with the one I took.
Heather Allen
Senior Advisor Certification and Registrar of Ships
“The people in the maritime industry are passionate about what they do,” says Senior Advisor Certification and Registrar of Ships, Heather Allen. "I haven’t come across anyone who isn’t helpful and willing to share their knowledge.”
After more than 15 years as a member of the Maritime NZ crew, Heather Allen has ‘come across’ more than a few people in the industry. She’s the person you talk to when you need to register your vessel for an international voyage, or to get a vessel certificate, or help solving a related issue - to name just a few things...
Here’s Heather on why, for her, there’s no such thing as a “typical” day, and what made her role in the reflagging of the Foreign Charter Fishing Vessels as New Zealand ships her proudest moment at Maritime NZ.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
I’m an early starter so I’m in the office by 7.30am. Quite a few people know this, so the phone usually starts to ring not long after!
I don’t think there is a “typical” day. I try to plan my days so I know what I’m doing, but one phone call or email can throw this completely out the window. I’m mostly involved in ship registration and the certification of vessels and operators, so in any one day I could be advising someone on how to get a particular certificate or trying to find a solution to an issue, processing applications and contributing to various projects. One of my main roles is to support the certification team, so I could also be training someone or helping with a difficult question.
My current focuses are the America’s Cup project - we’re looking at how we’ll manage the certification of vessels operating during the event, the amendment to Marine Protection Rule 102, and the insurance requirements for offshore installations. I’m also reviewing all our ship registration forms, guidance documents and procedures, which haven’t seen much change in a very long time.
At the same time, I’m completing a course on International Maritime Codes and Conventions, which has given me a better understanding of the basis for a lot of New Zealand’s Maritime Rules.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
The huge variety of things we’re involved in, the fact that I’m always learning, and the people I come into contact with - my certification team, my wider Maritime NZ colleagues, owners, operators, surveyors…..the list goes on!
What do you find most challenging?
The huge variety of things we’re involved in. While it’s one of the things I enjoy the most, it’s also the most challenging. I may get a phone call from a vessel owner about one issue which then leads to something else and I need to make sure we cover everything. For example, I recently dealt with a ship coming from overseas which required 12 different certificates. We needed to be able to tell the ship’s owner what all the requirements were early on in the process - it would’ve been a disaster to get to the departure date and realise we’d overlooked something!
My husband tells me that I don’t switch off, and he hates it when we go away anywhere where there are boats - I’m always looking to see if I recognise any I’ve dealt with over the years!
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
I find the maritime industry really interesting as it’s so vast and, because of this, there’s always the opportunity to learn something new. Also, the people in the industry are passionate about what they do and I haven’t come across anyone who isn’t helpful and willing to share their knowledge.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
The reflagging of the Foreign Charter Fishing Vessels as New Zealand ships. It was quite a stressful time, as a large number of vessels needed to be registered before a certain date in order to continue fishing in New Zealand. We had to do quite a bit of juggling to work around the different issues, such as survey requirements and the timing of when the ships were due to be deleted from overseas registries. But we did it, and all the vessels were registered before the deadline of 1 May 2016.
What is your biggest achievement to date (personal or professional)?
I really struggle to name my biggest achievement. I’ve achieved lots of things over the years -completing courses, learning new skills, running successful events for groups I belong to, and having great friends and family. These have helped make me the person I am today, so I guess it’s the small things in life that matter!
What are the values that drive you?
I believe in always doing the best job possible and keeping the promises I make.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
My husband and I have a classic American car so we often travel around the country to different car events. We also spend a lot of time at Riversdale Beach in the Wairarapa, where we have a bach - weekends there often involve golf, fishing or just taking our dogs for walks on the beach. This is where I relax, so I get a bit grumpy if I don’t get over there as often as I’d like!
Please tell us a bit about your background…
My work background was definitely non-maritime - I spent 11 years working in the trustee industry, mostly drafting wills and administering estates and trusts.
Maritime-wise, I grew up in Petone so we were always in, or on, the water. My brother was involved in sea cadets so I used to tag along with him, and a family friend had a Noelex 25 so I sailed with him for quite a few years.
Chiquita Holden
Victim Support Officer
“Each victim has unique circumstances, so responding to their own situation is important,” says Maritime NZ’s Victim Support Officer, Chiquita Holden.
Having worked with victims for over 15 years, Chiquita plays an important role in our legal team, providing support to people affected by maritime incidents. The job is a perfect fit for Chiquita, who also grew up in a seaside community where, she says, she was lucky to have the ocean at her backdoor.
We talked to Chiquita about her desire to make a difference to those who have been affected by maritime incidents, as well as to see a greater level of support for the victims Maritime NZ and other regulators work with.
Please tell us a bit about your backgroud...
I grew up in a seaside community where we spent a lot of time either in or on the water. Whenever a boat came through the harbour, we’d get static interference on our old TV, which was our signal to look out the window and see what kind of ship was coming in. Boating was part of our programme at primary school too, so both at home and school I was lucky to have the ocean at my backdoor.
My work background is focused on supporting victims - I’ve spent around 15 years supporting people affected by a range of different incidents, with a particular interest in improving the support to families affected by homicide.
I’ve also worked as a casual crew member on a charter boat and absolutely loved the experience. When I saw the role advertised at Maritime NZ, I couldn’t believe there was a role that combined all the things I love.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
Each victim has unique circumstances, so responding to their own situation is important. A typical day will see me talking to different victims and supporting them - either by providing information, assessing their needs, or referring them to other agencies that can help. It really depends on what has happened, who I’m talking to, and what stage they’re at in their journey.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
The sense of purpose - if I can make something easier for others, I feel like I’ve achieved something. I’d really like to make a difference. While you can’t change what’s happened, you can help people in a meaningful way to make things a little easier. Some victims might need to go to court, which, on top of everything else, can be quite daunting. Being able to help victims understand this process or support them directly at court can help them feel less overwhelmed.
What do you find most challenging?
It’s quite a challenge to make sure the rights and needs of victims are recognised. Unlike for police-reported crime, where there’s a lot of support and recognition for victims, the people we support don’t receive the same level of attention. This can create barriers. I’d like to see more recognition and a deeper understanding of the victims Maritime NZ and other regulators work with.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
I think I’m really lucky to work for Maritime NZ. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the things I love combined in a job advertisement - there’s actually a job like this! It’s also a great privilege to work for an organisation that has an understanding of, and is committed to, supporting victims.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
It’s hard to write about being proud - usually I’m involved because something bad has happened and I can’t do anything to change that. It’s probably the small things - like seeing someone progress on their journey. I can’t really take credit for that as it’s more down to them than anything I do. I know I can’t change things, so I aim to support people to make their experience easier in some way.
What is your biggest achievement to date (personal or professional)?
I’ve recently been training for a 100km event, which unfortunately didn’t go ahead due to COVID-19. This would have been my biggest physical achievement and, while I didn’t get to complete it, during my training I realised something important: In the past I’d set myself goals and completed them - half marathons, 10km runs, and an ultra-walk - but what I’d actually done was set limits. I could really only get as far as the ‘goal’ and that was it. Changing my thinking from set limits to bigger goals meant that any 5-10km walk became a routine walk, not an event or challenge. I’m looking forward to completing the 100km next year and setting some goals that extend beyond my limits.
What are the values that drive you?
Integrity - being honest, accountable, respectful, and making sure my actions are guided by doing what’s right.
Compassion - when you strip everything back, caring for others matters most.
Victims’ Rights - I’m committed to working with victims and helping to make a difference.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I really enjoy getting outside and walking local tracks, spending time at the beach, and being with family. I love getting out on the paddle board or kayak during the summer months.
Anjini Ram
Assistant Accountant
Anjini Ram has been working hard behind the scenes at Maritime NZ for 14 years, moving her way up through the ranks of our finance team.
She attributes her loyalty to Maritime NZ to our “friendly working environment”, and to supporting “such a complex and interesting industry”.
Anjini chatted to us about how she always wanted to work in finance and about how proud she is to be part of such a hard working team. She also mentions how growing up near the sea in Fiji makes a career with Maritime NZ such a natural fit.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
My days vary a lot. I look after accounts, making sure that the various accounting and tax regulations are followed and suppliers are paid on time. I also provide support to managers and staff who need help resolving financial issues.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
It’s very rewarding! I really enjoy the variety of work, learning new things, being able to use modern technology to solve problems, and having a deep understanding of how the business works. I also like working with my team and with people across the organisation. It’s a really friendly working environment and one that’s always allowed me to exercise my skills and knowledge. Since I started 14 years ago, my career has continued to develop.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
Although I don’t work directly with people in the maritime sector - I provide support in my role at Maritime NZ - I still find it such a complex and interesting industry.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
I’m proud to be part of the successful Financial Operations Team. We’re team of seven people, each of us committed to working together to achieve a shared goal.
What are the values that drive you?
Respect, commitment and kindness.
Please tell us a bit about your background:
I was born and brought up in Fiji, where I lived close to the sea and always enjoyed swimming and picnicking by the beach. I’d always wanted to work in finance, so studying for a Diploma in Business Studies and Accounting was an easy choice. I then began my career with the Pacific Island Forum as Secretariat Purchasing Officer, overseeing the buying of products, evaluating vendors, negotiating contracts and preparing reports on orders and costs.
After marrying a Kiwi, I moved to Wellington in 2006, and began my extensive career with Maritime NZ as a Temporary Administrator. I later joined the Finance team as Finance Officer Accounts Payable, a role I’m still loving today.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I like cooking, watching Bollywood series and spending time with family and friends.
Shailesh Sinha
Senior Advisor (Human Factors), Maritime Systems Assurance
You may have already met Shailesh Sinha - either in person or over the phone.
A key part of his role is providing expert advice on things like seafarer certification, maritime school course approvals, inspections, and exemption applications, while also clarifying maritime rules and international conventions for stakeholders. Shailesh has been with us since 2014, and has been a help to many in the industry since then.
As well as his biggest achievements at Maritime NZ - which include representing New Zealand at International Maritime Organization meetings - Shailesh talked to us about what excites him most about working with the maritime industry, and what he’s focused on at the moment. He also outlines the path that led him to where he is today...
What do you enjoy most about your role?
The amazing thing about my role is that it varies from one task to another, so it requires a range of leadership skills. I especially enjoy opportunities where I can use my expertise to educate and influence people, while developing and maintaining strong relationships.
Before the COVID-19 lockdown, my role also involved attending forums and International Maritime Organization (IMO) meetings, which I enjoy.
What do you find most challenging?
Giving consistent, robust and pragmatic technical advice that’s easy for stakeholders to understand can be quite challenging. It requires a lot of preparation, including making sure we comply with maritime laws, policies, international regulations etc. I also need to think from a policy maker’s perspective to make sure my advice is feasible and operational.
Another challenge is giving advice in areas that have no set precedents. This requires innovative solutions.
What do you like best about working with the maritime industry?
The maritime sector is a very dynamic, competitive and complex global industry, which is currently going through tremendous technological developments. As a mariner, I find this fascinating and I enjoy the challenge of keeping up with developments.
Also, this industry involves collaborating with people from all around the globe - and I really enjoy working in such a diverse environment.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
I’m a morning person and prefer to start my day with at least an hour of chanting. It helps me to stay positive, calm and focused.
Every day is very different, and that’s what I love about my role. I spend most of my time providing advice about things like seafarer certification, maritime school course approvals, inspections, examiners, exemption applications etc. At the same time, I help stakeholders by clarifying maritime rules and international conventions, both remotely and face-to-face.
I also write memos to the Maritime NZ Executive Team and papers for the IMO. And recently I’ve been focusing on reviewing and optimising Maritime NZ’s processes and procedures.
I’m also currently leading a review of the maritime qualifications that lead to National and STCW (International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) and STCW-F (International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel) certificates. We review qualifications periodically to ensure they remain relevant, fit for purpose and continue to meet the needs of the learners, industry and stakeholders. This project involves working with organisations such as Competenz, which develops skills for industry, as well as the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and training providers.
In the midst of all this, I keep myself updated with international trends and relevant legislative changes.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
I value the simple things in life and any little achievement is a proud moment for me.
My proudest moment is representing New Zealand in the international arena at various IMO meetings as a delegate or head of a delegation.
I also feel proud when I see Maritime NZ’s people growing, both personally and professionally, and when I provide solutions to emerging issues.
What is your biggest achievement to date (personal or professional)?
Being part of a supportive family, obtaining a Master’s of Mechanical Engineering with merit, and being a citizen of this beautiful country are my biggest personal achievements.
Professionally, my experiences working in both government and private sectors, representing New Zealand at the IMO and other international meetings, being New Zealand’s IMO Auditor and a STCW Evaluator, are some of my biggest achievements.
Please tell us a bit about your background...
I was born and brought up in India. After graduating as a Mechanical Engineer, a Singapore-based shipping company sponsored me to study marine engineering at the Singapore Maritime Academy. I then worked as a marine engineer, managing the operations and maintenance of onboard container ships and tankers plying their trade worldwide.
I then changed my career focus to the Singapore oil and gas industry, working as a mechanical engineer, managing design and engineering projects.
My next move - to Auckland to pursue a Master’s of Mechanical Engineering - facilitated a transition from an operations role to the management side of engineering. After getting my master’s, I worked for a design and manufacturing company based in Hamilton before joining Maritime NZ as a technical advisor.
What are the values that drive you?
Patience, perseverance, commitment, respect and kindness.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I’m an active member of Soka Gakkai International NZ, a Buddhist non-profitable organisation, where I meet people for group chanting and discussion sessions. Other than that, I’m very passionate about travelling and learning about new cultures, food and people.
I also enjoy reading management and leadership articles and books to keep myself motivated.
Mike McMurtry
Senior Oil Spill Response Planning Advisor
“We’re all about environmental protection,” Senior Oil Spill Response Planning Advisor, Mike McMurtry, says of his team - the Marine Pollution Response Service.
When he’s not responding to oil spills, Mike is involved in everything from Pacific Island risk assessments to reviewing offshore industry contingency plans. “I want to leave ‘a better New Zealand’ as our legacy,” he says.
Mike chatted to us about the many things he turned his hand to before joining us three years ago, the joys and challenges of his role, as well as his proudest moment at Maritime NZ . He also mentions how much he loves the water…
Please tell us a bit about your background…
Like many others, I have a pretty diverse past: Eight years as an avionics engineer for Air New Zealand, followed by five years at Auckland University to gain a Marine Ecology MSc (Master of Science). I then spent over a decade with Auckland Council in an environmental monitoring and research role, which involved roaming the region’s great outdoors, often in very remote areas. I did plenty of boating (purchased a few vessels for the council too) and led a team of commercial (scientific) divers. Over time, the role became mind-bending, with more of a focus on the design, build and implementation of databases for council, and a few national biodata projects.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
My days are really varied! I could be working on anything from Pacific Island risk assessments to offshore industry contingency plans, or responding to events both here and overseas. So far these have included the Fox Rover Landfill Response on the West Coast of the South Island, and shipping casualties in Fiji and the Solomon Islands. I’m currently working on an oil spill response intelligence capability project and a range of localised plans for our Regional Council partners, while also preparing to deliver workshops and training.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy the people, the variety of tasks, the challenges and stretching towards goals, the constant learning, and the honour of working in environmental protection.
What do you find most challenging?
A couple of things… firstly, navigating the legislation, which can be quite ‘fun’ (thanks to the Legal Services team for patiently answering my long list of questions). Secondly, overseas responses can be complex - I’m on a steep learning curve.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
We’re all about environmental protection. I want to leave ‘a better NZ’ as our legacy. What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ? Being identified as a future On-Scene Commander - it will take a while to grow into the role, but it’s a huge compliment to be selected.
What’s your biggest achievement to date (personal or professional)?
Crikey - too hard to pin down! I’m very proud of my role as a dad, as a husband and I love all aspects of my life - it has been peppered with fun, interesting, and stimulating achievements. But I do wish I could have said “my career as an astronaut!”.
What are the values that drive you?
I have a long list, but the top 10 are: Adventure! Passion! Integrity. Commitment. Awareness. Sensitivity and kindness. Wonder! Improvement! Treading lightly.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I love the water! There’s nothing better than the whole family catching waves - our kids (Liv, 15 and Koby, 13) are tireless surfers and body-boarders. We mainly hit the East Coast North Island beaches - we’re not hard-core West Coasters! And I’m a pretty keen diver, too. Diving is so Zen.
Otherwise, my wife Jade and I are very into music - we go to lots of gigs, and love to discover new releases or artists. Our tastes are mainly rock, but we check out a pretty diverse range of styles. I also play in a 5-piece rock covers band - it’s such a fantastic outlet, and the guys are hilarious - it’s just end-to-end laughs!
Mark Scully
Principal Operational Policy Advisor - 40-Series Policy Lead, Regulatory Policy
“This is real work that will make life better for people who have to work with the current rules,” Mark Scully says of the 40-series reform project he’s currently leading.
Mark sees lots of parallels between the maritime industry and the construction sector, where he spent a large part of his earlier career. “Even though the detail is quite different for ship design, construction and equipment, I’m able to use my building knowledge as a way to approach understanding it,” he says.
Mark talked to us about what his typical day entails and how he enjoys the challenge of coming up with solutions for difficult problems, which is hugely beneficial for his work on the 40-series reform project. He also explains the similarities between his background in construction and his current role.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
I lead the policy development for the 40-series reform project. The 40-series rules deal with design, construction and equipment on ships. A typical day is spent interrogating the current 40-series rules, identifying the issues, and proposing and then testing possible solutions. The project is at the initial design stage - developing a draft framework. We’ve also asked the industry to talk about their problems and experiences with the rules so we can take these on board. Once we have something that looks like it might work, we’ll consult the sector - which should be later this year.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy the challenge of working on difficult problems and coming up with solutions. This is real work that will make life better for people who have to work with the current rules.
What do you find most challenging?
Reforming the 40-series rules presents a lot of challenges - over 600 pages, thousands of rules, 50 pages of definitions, multiple rule parts, duplication, repetition, inconsistencies, often unhelpfully prescriptive. Lots of amendments have been made over time without transition provisions, which means it’s quite difficult to know which standard applies to a particular ship. All of that needs to be sorted out.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
Although it might seem strange, there are lots of parallels with the construction sector, where I’ve spent a large part of my career. The work is often quite tough and there’s always machinery involved - it’s technical work. Like the construction sector, maritime people are practical and focused on solutions. Exchanges are often pretty direct - you don’t get too much waffle. I’m very comfortable with that approach. There are regulatory parallels as well. Buildings are designed and constructed and have systems - e.g. fire safety appliances or means of access and egress. Even though the detail is quite different for ship design, construction and equipment, I’m able to use my building knowledge as a way to approach understanding it.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
One of the things I’m proud of is the guideline called ‘Health and Safety: A Guide for Mariners’ which provides an overview of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. It was pulled together in a short time, looks great, and explains the Act in an accessible way.
Please tell us a bit about your background...
I started my career as a carpenter and ran my own business for some years. My wife supported me through university and I became a building inspector in my thirties. From there I moved into the Building Industry Authority, which became the Department of Building and Housing. My first job there involved auditing how well local authorities were issuing building consents and managing inspections, before establishing and then operating the Licensed Building Practitioner scheme. During this time, I took part in the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) programme and gained a Masters in Public Administration. I then moved on to WorkSafe before joining Maritime NZ in 2016. In my first role at Maritime NZ, I helped implement the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA). I’ve been involved in a variety of work since then.
What is your biggest achievement to date?
At the risk of seeming corny, my biggest achievement is my relationship with my wife Craigie and raising two fine sons.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
My wife and I are walking the Hump Ridge Track in Southland at Easter. I did quite a bit of tramping when I was younger, but in later years we’ve tended to go on guided walks where you only carry a day pack. This will be 60km over three days carrying a pack, so we’re both a bit nervous. For the past few weekends we’ve been hiking with packs to train for the trip.
Sharyn Forsyth
Deputy Director - Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
Sharyn Forsyth came on board as Maritime NZ’s first ever policy analyst in 1998. Twenty-one years and numerous roles later, she now leads our Communication and Stakeholder Engagement group.
Sharyn has always had “a passion for ensuring that industry voices are heard and valued within Maritime NZ”, and as a result, she’s built strong connections across the industry. Today she’s deeply committed to making a difference by working alongside the industry to achieve better ‘safe, secure and clean’ outcomes.
Sharyn talked to us about the path that led her to where she is today, and how she continues to find her work with the maritime industry both interesting and rewarding. She also mentions the achievements she’s enjoyed and challenges she’s faced along the way...
How long have you worked for Maritime NZ?
Twenty-one years! I joined as Maritime NZ’s first ever policy analyst, and I’ve changed roles every few years since then. After working in the policy area (which I ended up managing), I looked after internal audit, risk and government relations, then project managed the early stages of a review of safe ship management (which preceded MOSS), before taking up an operational management role. I was responsible for the maritime safety inspectorate, technical advisors and industry liaison team for a while, then the certification team, technical advice and operational policy. Now, and for the past year, I lead the group responsible for internal and external communication, stakeholder engagement, privacy and OIA requests, recreational boating and Maritime NZ’s contribution to the America’s Cup.
Please tell us a bit about your background...
I was born in Waiouru, as both of my parents were in the army. We moved around a lot, mostly in South East Asia, but settled in Wellington just before I started high school. School and I didn’t get on well, so instead of continuing to study, I worked as a registry clerk in a government department for a year. Unfortunately, the government department and I also didn’t get on (mainly because I was 17 years old and didn’t appreciate the importance of doing what my manager told me to do), so I moved to Christchurch to study political science and linguistics. After gaining my Master’s Degree, I worked as a researcher/policy advisor in the transport area, through which I met Russell Kilvington, Director of the Maritime Safety Authority. Russell suggested I come to Wellington to work for him… and here I am 21 years later (having added a husband and three children along the way)!
I’m often asked about how I can stay in one organisation for so long without being “institutionalised”. Because my role has changed so often I’ve always found the work interesting, and because I’ve been lucky to have managers who’ve supported me to try new things and work through any mistakes, I’ve been challenged sufficiently to not get bored. I’ve always had a passion for ensuring that industry voices are heard and valued within Maritime NZ, and as a result, I’ve not only built strong connections across our diverse industry, I’ve developed a deep commitment to making a difference by being part of a regulator that works alongside the industry to achieve better ‘safe, secure and clean’ outcomes.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
A typical day starts with checking my emails, then spending most of my hours in discussions (meetings!) with various internal and external people. We either talk about specific issues, or just check in on what’s happening and what we need to focus on. I try to do a lot of listening, and to encourage people across the organisation to connect with each other. I also try to make sure I’m focusing on vision and direction, rather than telling people to do too much.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
It may be a cliché but I enjoy feeling like I’m making a difference to people in the work I do - either those within Maritime NZ, or those in the industry. I also like having a huge amount of freedom to do what I think is right to achieve our organisational outcomes.
What do you find most challenging?
The people! I sometimes find it challenging to remember I can’t fix everything immediately, and that it’s not all about me, it’s about how I can best play my part in the maritime industry. I also struggle when dealing with people who don’t appear to want to treat each other with respect, or to achieve to their potential. But I’ve learnt the hard way that I don’t have all the answers, and that I need to listen more than I talk.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
A bit of a theme here - the people! I work across the whole of the maritime industry, and people are universally open, welcoming and focused on safety and environmental outcomes, as well as sustainable business (if they’re on the commercial side). I like the diversity and the honesty. You know where you stand with people in the maritime industry - they say it like it is. I’d far rather have that than pretense. Oh, and the ships are pretty cool too!
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
My proudest moments have been seeing staff whose careers I’ve played a role in developing, progress and achieve, and the times I’ve heard that something I’ve done or said has made a difference to someone personally. I’m perhaps a bit different from a lot of senior managers in that I talk and write about fairly personal experiences. I do this to reassure staff that we’re all human - we worry, we’re anxious, and we fail and screw things up at times. I want everyone to know that this is normal and okay, and that what we do at work doesn’t define us as people.
In terms of work outputs, I was involved in setting up what’s now the NZ Safer Boating Forum, and FishSAFE. Both were partnerships across sectors that have led to unity of action and, I believe, improved safety outcomes.
What is your biggest achievement to date?
I started an organisation supporting parents of transgender and gender diverse children in 2015, and now over 430 families throughout New Zealand are members. It’s entirely parent-led, although we partner with Rainbow Youth, InsideOUT, and the Human Rights Organisation to make sure parents and children get the support they need to live great lives. My biggest achievement is knowing that many families and children have had the lifeline they needed because of my simple decision to not let any other family feel as alone as we did.
What are the values that drive you?
It’s easy to list off a set of values, but I believe every person wants to do their best, and that my role is to ensure that they’re given the information, feedback and support they need to do so. I also believe people deserve to be treated with respect and everything that brings, even when they’ve done something that seems unexplainable.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I enjoy spending time with my children, I go swimming (in nice, warm indoor pools) and try to walk the hills of Wellington as much as I can. I listen to music, read, and do fine embroidery. I’m starting to get in to gardening (something my younger self would be horrified by!). I’m also always studying - at the moment I’m doing a Diploma in Human Development at Massey University.
Michelle Lough
Operations Advisor
Michelle Lough’s grandfather was a ship’s agent, and her dad went to sea aged 15 as ‘ship’s boy’, later following in his father’s footsteps. So it’s little wonder that, despite her “father’s protest”, Michelle found herself working in the industry.
Michelle has been putting her lifetime of industry experience to good use at Maritime NZ for nearly 10 years now, and currently belongs to our Policy Delivery Guidance and Support team.
We asked Michelle about her background in the maritime industry and discovered she was even married at sea! Michelle also shared her proudest moment at Maritime NZ, what her typical day entails, and what she likes most about working for the maritime sector.
Please tell us a bit about your background...
I grew up in Nelson surrounded by the maritime industry. My grandfather was a ship’s agent and my father went to sea aged 15 as ‘ship’s boy’ (yes, that was an actual position), and went on to become a shipping agent. So I guess it was inevitable, despite my father’s protest, I’d end up working in the industry.
I started my career, nearly 30 years ago, as Shipping Officer for the NZ Kiwifruit Marketing Board (now Zespri). I then moved to Auckland and took on the role of Vessel Co-ordinator for the Nedlloyd business unit at Seabridge. When Seabridge announced it was closing its doors, I decided to run away to sea. Well, to clarify - I joined my partner Richard*, a Master Mariner, for the next 10 years as he worked onboard a variety of world-wide trading vessels. I earned my keep by doing the paperwork for each port and reporting for victualing (food provision), bond and crew wages. We were married onboard a Renaissance cruise ship off Cadiz where Richard was Staff Captain and I worked wherever there was need - escorting shore excursions, purser, spa receptionist and even filling in for the nurse.
Eventually Richard’s employers offered him a position at their head office in Cyprus to implement the International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) Code. I became Crewing Superintendent for another ship management company and was managing the crewing department before we returned to New Zealand. I then started a contract with Maritime NZ, working in the Seafarer Licensing team and, as they say, the rest is history.
*Richard Lough has also worked for Maritime NZ for the past 10 years. He’s a Senior Technical Advisor in our Maritime Systems Assurance team.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
I was part of the large team from across Maritime NZ that was responsible for implementing the new requirement for float-free EPIRBs on fishing vessels**. We knew that making EPIRBs compulsory had the potential to save lives and this gave the project a real sense of purpose. I’m really thankful that a float-free EPIRB was activated when a fishing vessel overturned off the coast of the Chatham Islands recently. The alert from the EPIRB was received by our Rescue Coordination Centre and helped save the lives of three fishermen.
What are the values that drive you?
My father - the shipping agent - instilled a really strong work ethic. You do what’s necessary to get the job done, you are loyal and you treat people fairly.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
I’m an early starter - I try to do my serious reading first thing while it’s quiet. There’s a fair amount of research, reading and planning required in my role. I work closely with subject matter experts across Maritime NZ and within the industry, so meetings - whether formal or impromptu - are a daily occurrence.
My work programme currently includes drafting a position statement on stability requirements when towing, refining a checklist for auditing ‘recognised organisations’, and external consultation on a guideline for surveyors and operators.
What do you find most challenging about your role?
The variety of work and subject matter is both challenging and rewarding. I’m currently doing some work in the Design and Construction space. I really enjoy the research and getting into the detail. However, I find it quite challenging to get a good understanding of a technical subject I’m not familiar with.
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
It’s the people. I’ve had some great opportunities working both within New Zealand and overseas. The thing that’s always resonated with me is the passion people have in the industry. Most of us rely on the sea or waterways as a source of income, a place to play or a means to transport goods and services. I believe there’s a real connection for those working in the marine environment.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I like pottering in the garden, fishing (when conditions are right), cooking for family and friends, and watching a good game of rugby while curled up on the couch.
** Float-free EPIRB distress beacons that can activate automatically became compulsory on commercial fishing vessels from 1 January 2019. This applies to those vessels between 7.5- 24 metres operating outside enclosed waters.
Jo Sweetman-King
Operational and Strategic Planner
One of the many talented women in our crew, Jo Sweetman-King has spent half her life working for Maritime NZ (she won’t admit how many years that is!) and was recently seconded to the role of Operational and Strategic Planner for the Maritime Systems Assurance team.
We asked Jo about her role at Maritime NZ, including what her proudest moment is, what her typical day entails, and what she likes most about working for the maritime industry.
What’s your proudest moment at Maritime NZ?
I’m really proud of the work I did to arrange the Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding meeting Maritime NZ hosted in Queenstown in 2014. The meeting is held in a different signatory country each year and involves delegates from all signatory countries. I’m pleased to say that with two years of planning the meeting went off without a hitch and all the delegates enjoyed visiting New Zealand.
What is your biggest achievement to date (personal or professional)?
My biggest achievement is raising my two boys, who are now 12 years old and soon to be 15 years old. Some days they present their own challenges but they are my pride and joy.
What are the values that drive you?
I’m a firm believer of the three Maritime NZ values - respect, commitment and integrity - both personally and professionally.
What does a typical day look like and what are you currently focusing on?
I’ve just started a secondment to a role in my team that didn’t previously exist. At the moment, there are no typical days. I am busy preparing the Business Plan for the coming financial year and planning the work for our group.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy working with my team and across the organisation. No two days are ever the same at Maritime NZ and I love the variety.
What do you find most challenging?
To be honest, one of my biggest challenges can be wrangling everyone’s calendars to get them all in the same place at the same time!
What do you like best about working for the maritime industry?
I find the industry quite fascinating. It’s such a vast industry - we can be working on an issue related to fishing vessels one day and a cruise ship the next.
Please tell us a bit about your background…
After leaving high school I completed an office administration course at Hutt Valley Polytech (now Weltec). I then put my skills to work in a variety of industries before joining what was then known as the Maritime Safety Authority.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I’ve recently retired from 20 years of playing indoor netball once a week, so I’m looking for something to fill the exercise void. Besides that, I like to cook and hang out with my family and friends.