by Bo Samuelsson

The Labour government put together a development package for domestic sea freight with the goal of increasing the transport mode's share of domestic transport from 15% to 30% by 2040. Recognising the environmental benefit, national importance of regional businesses' access to markets and the international trend of larger vessels calling less ports, the package was coupled to a development fund to help NZ operators achieving this goal.

All very nice and forward thinking and welcomed by the industry. However, the National government has now reviewed the package and reputedly decided to scrap the development fund saying that they do not want to favor one transport mode over another.

Presently, shipping receives no benefits at all and are competing against a nationalised Kiwirail which are receiving funding for various upgrade projects and at the same time, roading are receiving multi billion dollar funding to bring forward a number of major roading projects. Level playing field? In a country which consists of two major islands with no bridge in between?

So how much was the funding that was withdrawn? $ 36 million over three years.

The environmental impact of roading is well known and the diesel trains are emitting about twice the amount of CO2 per tonne kilometre compared to a coastal container ship.

To find out how other countries are handling the shipping issue, read the article below to compare with Norway, a small country at the other end of the world with a long and proud tradition in shipping.

New Zealand was also like that once, but that was a long time ago. Can we get there again? Maybe we can, but then we need to widen our horizons a bit.

Working towards common goals

Published  2009-02-16
By David John Smith

Norway has a long history of success and achievement within the maritime industry. As one of the world's leaders and employer of over 97,000 people, the country is the fifth largest maritime nation in the world. With a focus on innovation, cooperation, and an ongoing commitment to the environment, the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry and its Maritime Strategy is central in this process. Read the rest of the article at Nortrade.