ABOUT US

Charting Maritime
Excellence

NZMTA Navigates Your Success

WE ARE SPECIALISTS

Marine Transport Association

The MTA was formed in 1970 to represent the owners of New Zealand’s tourism, charter and passenger vessels. Today our membership includes both large and small operators active in harbour cruises, fishing, sailing, passenger transport, coastal shipping, aquaculture and a wide range of workboat activities.

Our board is comprised of industry leaders - owners, operators and service providers -representing maritime interests throughout the country. 

Our core objective is to advocate for and support the commercial maritime sector, ensuring it remains safe, commercially viable and strategically recognised within New Zealand’s wider transport framework. 

We work to strengthen coastal shipping capability, promote regulatory settings that are practical and proportionate, and support the development of skilled Kiwi seafarers who form the backbone of the domestic fleet.

Our Sponsors

With over 50 years of experience, the Association provides practical operational guidance while also shaping the long-term direction of New Zealand’s domestic maritime policy.

  • Coastal shipping policy and freight resilience advocacy
  • Workforce development and licensing reform engagement
  • Fleet Operator forums
  • Tourism industry initiatives
  • Covid-19 recovery advocacy
  • MOSS (Marine Operators Safety Systems)
  • America's Cup for commercial tourism and charter vessels
  • Health and Safety at Work Act
  • Advocacy and representation of owners interests across various government portfolios
  • Subscription to Professional Skipper & NZ Aquaculture magazine
  • NZMTA Industry news
  • Technical expertise – Maritime and marine protection rules and regulations
  • Guidance on International conventions, MARPOL and the Maritime Labour Convention
  • Seafarer licensing and transition of international qualifications
  • Co-operative trade relationships
  • Codes of Practice for High Speed Craft, Swimming with Marine Mammals, Shark Cage Operations and Parasailing
  • The Public Passenger Transport Management Bill
  • Exemptions
  • Liquor Licensing requirements
  • Charter Boat Catch Reporting
  • Representing the membership on the Maritime Industry Recovery Forum

The NZ Marine Transport Association Vision

  • To promote and advance the interests and welfare of all members.
  • To provide input and affect the direction of central and local government policy and actions in accordance with the wishes of Members and the vision of the Association.
  • To represent the interests of Members at all public forums and in public issues as they arise.
  • To provide the information, services and products which will assist Members to meet their business goals.
  • To maintain regular and close contact and communication with Members to listen to and understand their views and aspirations.
  • To improve the public's understanding of the importance of the marine transportation industry to the nation and promote the professionalism, hospitality and efficiency of Members in the eyes of the wider community.
  • The organisation is made up of members who represent the majority of fleet operators throughout the country and range from Work boats, Ferries both passenger and vehicular, Charter boats, Tug and Barge operators, Fishing boats and Aquaculture vessels.