COMMERCIAL ENGINES 10 TO 1000HP PLUS
The Shin Ji was tied up in Auckland for months
representations, emphasising the large deprivation of Maori jobs, despite the large amount of fish quota owned by iwi. Peter Donaldson asserted the moral right of New Zealanders to make quota owners carry social responsibility. Then he rather spoilt it by suggesting that the government take back deep-water quota.
The Indonesian Human Rights Committee commented on the very bad image that New Zealand was acquiring over the treatment of Indons in our waters. Because of corruption there, poor workers, such as these, had no hope of obtaining redress in Indonesian courts. The pastor of the Albany Baptist Church, Ryan Bond, became involved through a distressed parishioner telling him about the abuses she had become aware of. He listed the offences and harsh treatment, justified by the urge to maximise profits, that had been disclosed to him and ended by saying, "Everyone needs to treat FCV crews as people, not commodities." Keith Ingram spoke on the harm being done to New Zealand, its clean green image, its fishermen and particularly Maori by the use of foreign labour in old sub-standard vessels. He rebutted the argument of inability of Maori to finance their own entry into fishing vessel operations. He also spoke on the availability of modern fishing vessels and competent crews on the world market.
This writer attacked the preferential treatment of foreigners over New Zealanders, citing examples from his service in the Royal New Zealand Navy in 1968 through to the present time. He cited the abysmal seamanship he had observed as displayed by Koreans. His suggestion that the panel obtain comparative statistics from Maritime New Zealand and MAF to ascertain the actual likelihood of offending by all nationalities involved was accepted by the panel.
The open session ended before 1600, and submitters were asked to leave, in order for the panel to hear presentations of a sensitive and confidential nature.
As we departed, we were informed that there had been more walk-offs by Indonesian crewmembers, bringing the number of Korean vessels so affected to seven out of a total of 17. The tip of the iceberg is getting bigger.
The impression left by the panel was very favourable, particularly in light of the fact that they had no nautical qualifications or experience. They were very even-handed in their treatment of submitters, challenging those on both sides of the issue and asking penetrating questions. This writer looks forward seeing their final report and recommendations.
VIP.S72
■ Fuel savings ■ Rugged Design ■ Durable for long life ■ True marine engine
■ Proven in Asia-Pacifi c Region
North Island + 64 (9) 358 2050 South Island + 64 (3) 328 8120
sales@whitingpower.com www.whitingpower.com
January/February 2012 Professional Skipper 29
