The newly opened Seafarers Welfare Centre at the Port of Timaru is aiming to serve as a beacon of care, compassion, and camaraderie for generations of seafarers to come.
Earlier this year, the former welfare centre, which opened in 1924, was demolished in a $175,000 project to rebuild and modernise the ageing facility at 19 Ritchie St.
The new centre was officially opened on Friday last week by Associate Transport minister and Rangitata MP James Meager and newly re-elected Timaru district Mayor Nigel Bowen.
They were also joined by PrimePort Timaru chief executive Phil Melhopt and South Canterbury Seafarers Welfare Committee president John Blunden.
At the opening, Mr Blunden said building the new facility seemed like an impossible idea this time last year.
‘‘A visit to our MP’s office changed all that. Armed with what I thought was a good story and some background information, I confronted James’ electorate secretary, she took notice and promised me a meeting.’’
‘‘With PrimePort Timaru already on board, James invited Nigel Bowen to become involved and from there we started to make progress. James, Nigel and Phil’s support were crucial in making this successful.’’
For 130 years Seafarers Welfare Services have been provided at the Port of Timaru, firstly by the Timaru branch of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union and then by the South Canterbury Seafarers Welfare Committee from 1967 onwards.
Mr Blunden said the project was made possible by a wide range of different people and organisations.
‘‘Our committee have backed me all the way. They did not sign up for a project such as this and it hasn’t been easy, so thank you for your support. Once we got started it was a great process and hats off to all the tradies — they got it done on time and under budget.
‘‘I would also like to thank our old building that served us well. . .sadly it was time to go but it will live on with the memorial wall.’’
He said in an effort ensure the facility could continue to operate in the future, the committee had partnered with the Aoraki Foundation to establish the South Canterbury Seafarers Welfare Fund.
‘‘This fund will ensure we have sufficient income to service the needs of seafarers visiting the Port of Timaru and if we can grow the fund, we will not be reliant on external funding or donations.’’
Mr Bowen said the heritage of the Timaru district was very much linked with the port.
‘‘That’s how our district has grown from the early ships. I come and walk the dogs most mornings along the tracks behind the log yard, and the last few weeks it’s just been truck after truck, waiting to load bulk, and that’s all going to Washdyke and then being distributed from there,’’ Mr Bowen said.
‘‘It just shows and speaks to the importance of the port for our local economy. I know a lot of people don’t think about it, but seafarers in general, we do take for granted.’’
He said with a lot of goods no longer produced in New Zealand and coming from afar, having the centre was important.
‘‘For us to be able to provide a little piece of safety away from home when they’ve travelled on a long, long journey doing such an important job, I think that has to be acknowledged.’’
Mr Meager praised the efforts of Mr Blunden and said Timaru should be proud of the operation of its port.
‘‘It’s a great employer. It provides a lot of reassurance to us in South Canterbury, that we have an exceptional port which delivers an exceptional quality service to our exporters and to our seafarers.’’
He said one of the first things he did as a new MP two years ago, was attend the Trafalgar Day service.
‘‘It really struck me how important a connection we have with our seafarers here in Timaru.
‘‘So to be able to stand here and to be part of the opening of a new chapter in that journey . . . is something I’m really quite proud of.
‘‘It doesn’t have the gold plating and the bells and whistles that some other projects around the country might have, but it’s what we need to keep our seafarers well taken care of and looked after. I think we can be proud of what we’ve got here.’’
At the opening, he also announced the Maritime New Zealand grants which totalled to nearly $1m in welfare funding for 12 New Zealand ports.
‘‘99% of New Zealand’s imports and exports are transported via sea, so it’s critical for our economy that we are a country which treats international seafarers fairly, and ensures their rights are protected,’’ Mr Meager said.
‘‘New Zealand is leading the way for international seafarers’ welfare. We are the first country to fund these services through industry levies, which are predominantly funded by charities overseas.
‘‘The grants scheme, now in its second year, means those who receive the greatest benefits from the services are the ones who contribute the most.
‘‘We know the maritime sector is a key piece of New Zealand’s economy, and the industry’s commitment to pay for seafarer welfare services is an acknowledgement that healthy crews increase productivity, improve safety and help better protect our coastlines.’’
The Mission to Seafarers New Zealand Charitable Trust, which the Port of Timaru falls under, will receive $325,068.24.
