For over 130 years, the South Canterbury Seafarers Welfare Committee has cared for those who serve at sea—but financial instability has often threatened this vital work. With the opening of a new facility in 2025, the committee took a bold step forward by establishing the South Canterbury Seafarers Welfare Fund with the Aoraki Foundation, ensuring sustainable support for generations to come.

Seafarers are the unseen backbone of our region’s economy—serving in harsh conditions, far from home, so our farms, forests, fisheries, and trade can thrive. This fund offers an easy, impactful way for local businesses and individuals to give back.

Your donation helps provide care, comfort, and connection to those who keep our industries afloat.

At the edge of the Port of Timaru, where ships come and go, a new building stands—a modest structure with a warm heart. The new Seafarers Welfare Centre at Timaru’s Port, opened in 2025.

Inside, The Centre welcomes the world. Coffee brews. Wi-Fi hums and rest and relaxation for the ships crew is had. For 130 years, this port has offered more than cargo handling—it’s offered care. First through the Timaru Women’s Temperance Union, and since 1967, through the hands and hearts of the South Canterbury Seafarers.

Most locals see containers stacked like Lego, cranes swinging like mechanical arms. But inside this building, the focus is different. Here, the organisation see and care for the people.

All farmers, fishing companies, forest owners, service industries, Banks, exporters importers, should have an interest in Seafarers Welfare.

Most just see the ships, here at the Centre and on the ships, we see the people.

These brave men and women from all over the world, that leave their families at home for long periods and serve at sea so our produce can make it to market.

These sailors’ only protection is the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 of which New Zealand is a signatory. All New Zealanders have an obligation to these men and women to ensure their rights are upheld.

The Seafarers Welfare Centre at the port of Timaru, will continue to be a beacon of care, compassion and camaraderie for generations of seafarers to come.

How do I help grow this fund?

Supporting this vital service for Seafarers is very simple. You can make an immediate one off or regular monthly donation below. All donations are eligible for a 33% tax credit.

If you would prefer to make a bank transfer or leave a bequest in your will, please contact us now.

Stories / Resources

South Canterbury Seafarers Welfare Fund
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Can I get a grant?

The South Canterbury Seafarers Welfare Fund does not make individual grants to the public. This is a community fund that provides all the income directly to the South Canterbury Seafarers Welfare Committee Incorporated.