1. Hon MARK GOSCHE (Labour—Maungakiekie) Link to this
to the Minister of Transport
What reaction has she received to the launch of Sea Change, the draft domestic sea freight strategy?
Hon ANNETTE KING (Minister of Transport) Link to this
The reaction to the draft strategy has been extremely positive. The New Zealand Shipping Federation president, Rod Grout, has congratulated the Government on its initiative. He said it was the biggest boost to the New Zealand coastal shipping industry he could ever recall. My colleague Peter Brown from New Zealand First, an ardent campaigner for coastal shipping, has welcomed the proposal, saying it was time that a Government breathed life into the industry, which had been neglected. The Maritime Union of New Zealand has welcomed the strategy, as has the Green Party.
There are four specific and immediate steps the Government intends to take. Firstly, we are establishing the maritime liaison unit within the Ministry of Transport to create a focal point for the coastal shipping sector, similar to that which exists in the UK or the United States. Secondly, we are addressing the barriers to coastal shipping interests in accessing Government funds. Thirdly, we are gathering information to provide a clear picture of services—their performance, and the required performance. Fourthly, we are ensuring that Government agencies and sectors work together to increase the supply of skilled workers.
This draft strategy does not mean that the Government will unfairly be supporting coastal shipping as a competitor to the road or rail freight industries. It does mean that in the rapidly expanding freight market, the Government will be supporting efforts to give freight users a choice of transport modes and encouraging them to choose the mode, or combination of modes, that is not only in their own best commercial interests but also in the best interests of New Zealand as a sustainable nation.
Peter BrownWill the Minister confirm that the Government funding she has just referred to, which is also mentioned under the action plan in the report, is new Government money, not money extracted from the National Land Transport Fund?
Funding for the strategy will be decided in Budget 2008, and I say to the member to watch this spot.
Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
Why has the Minister not taken a far more proactive approach to New Zealand shipping interests—small though they are—given that it is our long-term purpose to minimise our carbon footprint, and given that although billions of dollars have gone into the infrastructure for road and rail, that has not been the case in respect of New Zealand shipping, which has been treated in a very prejudicial way in the last three decades; and why should we not take up this better option for the movement of our goods?
Well, of course, I agree with the member; shipping was neglected. In fact, it was withering and had almost died. But under this Government, and with the support of New Zealand First, we have put in place a strategic direction for coastal shipping, and one would not have that sort of comment from the Shipping Federation unless it believed it was a good move. As I have already said, the Shipping Federation’s president has said that the draft strategy was the biggest boost to the New Zealand coastal shipping industry he could ever recall—and it has happened on this Government’s watch. It certainly did not happen under the National Government, which sought to destroy the shipping industry.
Gerry BrownleeRt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
Because you are there, and I am happy where I am over here, and that is the way it is going to be for a long, long time, by the looks of it. Could I just say to the Minister, in thanking her for her insightful answer and encouraging her to go further in this respect, does she recall who passed the legislation that was so destructive to New Zealand maritime interests—that is, the Maritime Transport Act? Which party and which Minister did that?
The destruction of the maritime industry in New Zealand occurred under the National Government in the 1990s. My colleagues may be able to help me as to who was the Minister. He was less than memorable, can I say. I suspect it was Maurice Williamson, but then he was less than memorable in transport right through the time he was the Minister and is even less memorable in Opposition as a spokesperson on transport.