Seafarer welfare
These services are important as seafarers are critical to the efficient and effective operation of global maritime supply chains.
Learn about seafarer welfare in New Zealand, including the Seafarer Welfare Grants Programme.
Seafarer welfare services
Learn about the seafarer welfare support services available in ports in New Zealand, and how to access them.
Seafarer welfare obligations and the Maritime Labour Convention
The Maritime Labour Convention (the MLC) came into force in New Zealand in 2017, creating State-level obligations for the provision of seafarer welfare services to international seafarers visiting New Zealand ports.
In relation to seafarer welfare, the MLC requires and establishes, among other things, that seafarers have access to adequate facilities and services in ports, for example communication facilities, transport to the nearest city, medical check–ups, access to ship visitors and counselling.
These services are important as seafarers are critical to the efficient and effective operation of global maritime supply chains.
New Zealand’s Seafarer Welfare Grants programme
In 2024, New Zealand introduced a grants funding model administered by Maritime NZ for the provision of seafarer welfare services. The new system came into effect on 1 September 2024.
Under the new funding and delivery model, a portion of maritime levies collected are allocated for the delivery of seafarer welfare services.
This funding is distributed through an annual grant application process administered by Maritime NZ
Any seafarer welfare service provided from the grants should be neutral and inclusive, and access to services should be open to all seafarers irrespective of race, sex, religion or political opinion.
Summary of Seafarer Welfare Grants for 2025/2026
|
Name of organisation |
Programme name |
Port |
Amount approved |
|
Maritime Welfare Ltd |
Provision of Seafarers’ Welfare Services in Auckland, Bluff, Picton |
Auckland, Picton, Bluff |
$198,281.24 |
|
The Mission to Seafarers New Zealand Charitable Trust |
The Mission to Seafarers New Zealand Charitable Trust/South Canterbury Seafarers Welfare Committee Incorporated Multi-Port Welfare Delivery Programme |
Wellington, New Plymouth, Gisborne, Timaru, Marsden Point, Nelson |
$325,068.24 |
|
Hawkes Bay Seafarer Welfare Society |
Seafarers Centre at Port of Napier |
Napier |
$75,273.00 |
|
The Lyttelton Seafarers Centre |
Facility and Services for Seafarers – Lyttelton |
Lyttelton |
$96,231.07 |
|
United Seafarers Mission Tauranga Charitable Trust |
Port of Tauranga Seafarer Welfare Services |
Tauranga |
$225,000.00 |
|
Total
|
|
|
$919,853.55
|