A lot has happened since “Sea Change: A strategy for domestic sea freight” was published by the
outgoing Labour Government in 2008, some good and some not so good, and much remains the
same. That said, Sea Change has stood the test of time very well. It needs a refresh but there is no
need to start from zero.
New Zealand is still located a long way from anywhere. We are still reliant on maritime routes for
the overwhelming bulk of our imports and exports, as measured by tonnage. Maritime transport
still has an environmental advantage over other modes; and it still takes pressure off roads where it
is a viable option. The pathway to action in Sea Change is still a good place to start with a role for
government in:
- providing a visible focal point
- improving access to developmental finding
- information gathering, and
- work-force initiatives.
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