The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) has given its full support to Ra Whakamana, a national day of solidarity on 28 October 2025.
MUNZ is calling on maritime workers and their whanau to join mass mobilisations at 12pm to reaffirm the tino rangatiratanga of Tangata Whenua and protect the rights and wellbeing of all workers.
The national day of action is being co-led by the National Iwi Chairs Forum and the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi.
Maritime Union National Secretary Carl Findlay says the fight for workers’ rights and the fight for Tiriti justice are intertwined.
“On the waterfront, in our ports, and on our ships, we see every day how the struggle for dignity, safety, and fair pay is the same struggle for all workers,” says Mr Findlay.
“This Government’s agenda is a direct attack on all working people. They are eroding hard-won rights and protections while costs keep rising, blocking pay equity for wahine, and attacking Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will not stand by and let this happen.”
Ra Whakamana is a tikanga-led stand for cultural wellbeing, dignity, workers’ rights, mana wahine, rangatahi, and tino rangatiratanga, guided by iwi leadership in partnership with the union movement.
The date of 28 October carries deep historical significance, marking both the 1835 signing of He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni and the first Labour Day demonstrations in 1890 that helped secure the eight-hour working day.
Mr Findlay says this is a historic collaboration between iwi and unions.
“This is a call to all Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti to stand together. For generations, maritime workers have fought for a fair go. Now, we are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with iwi to create a future where tino rangatiratanga is real for everyone and Te Tiriti o Waitangi unites all our communities.”
“We urge our members to join their local events on 28 October and send a powerful message: we will not back down.”
Events will be held across the country. To stay updated on details, visit: https://www.together.org.nz/ra_whakamana
