General Purpose Deckhand

Regional Ports NZ Dredging is a joint venture between Port Otago and Napier Port. The venture's brand new $36 million state-of-the-art trailing suction hopper dredge, Kapuka, is currently being commissioned by Dutch shipbuilders Damen Shipyards in Vietnam. She is due for delivery to Port Chalmers in January 2027. Regional Ports NZ Dredging will strengthen the country’s port and maritime infrastructure by providing a New Zealand owned and based contract dredging service for both planned dredging and responding to unforeseen weather events.

About the role:

This is a rare opportunity for a suitably experienced General Purpose Hand to join Regional Ports NZ Dredging, on a permanent, full-time basis. You'll be based in Dunedin, but for approximately three months of each year, you will head North to support dredging requirements in Napier.

As part of the crew of the Kapuka (which means “to scoop out with both hands together), you'll work alongside the Master, Mate and Chief Engineer to keep the vessel running safely and efficiently. You'll help look after the dredge, its plant and equipment, and keep our ports open for the ships and communities that rely on them.

It's a hands-on role with plenty of variety, and you'll be part of a close-knit crew doing important work for two of New Zealand's leading ports, with views that stretch from Otago Harbour to the Hawke’s Bay and everything in between.

Work allocation:

In this role, you will normally work 42 hours per week between 0600 and 1800, Monday to Saturday. Your hours and days of work may vary depending on operational needs, so flexibility is essential. You may need to work up to 60 hours per week from time to time to meet operational requirements.

What we're looking for:

Our ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following mandatory qualifications:

Marine industry related and relevant work experience

Skipper Restricted Limits (SRL)

Maritime VHF Operator’s Certificate

STCW Basic Safety Training or equivalent

Recognised swimming/sea survival competency

Seafarer Certificate of Medical Fitness

Barge handling and towage experience (an advantage)

WorkSafe Licenses such as dogman, rigging and slewing crane operation (preferred)

The ability to work well as part of a team, with the flexibility to respond to operational needs outside normal hours

The physical fitness to meet the demands of the role

A positive, collaborative attitude that embraces challenges with confidence

A true passion for Health & Safety, including excellent personal safety standards

What's in it for you?

Competitive base salary

Daily Dredging allowance when operating outside of Otago Harbour Limits

Health insurance for you, and any partner, and /or dependent children (valued at $8,800 p.a.)

7% employer superannuation contribution

Why work for Regional Ports NZ Dredging?

A collaborative work environment which encourages people to be as great as they can

Wellness Programme and initiatives such as Health Checks, Fruit Boxes, and Free Period Products

Contribution towards relocation costs to Dunedin, if you're interested in relocating to Ōtepoti Dunedin for the role

Heads up:

A full clean NZ Driver’s License is essential

You must be able to pass Ministry of Justice, ACC checks and a medical which includes a drug and alcohol test as port of our recruitment process

Random drug and alcohol testing

How do I apply?

Please apply online via our website to ensure our Regional Ports NZ Dredging Application Form is completed.

Please ensure you include a copy of your up-to-date CV with your application. If you are not currently living in Dunedin, please tell us why you would like to move to this wonderful city in your cover letter.

Applications close 5pm, Sunday 18 October 2026. We encourage you to apply early, as suitable candidates may be contacted before the closing date.

For a copy of the Job Description visit position-description---gp-hand-tshd-kapuka.pdf