The Council of Trade Unions is accusing New Zealand fishing quota holders of committing a modern form of colonisation by using foreign crews to catch fish in local waters.
Vice-President Maori Syd Keepa alleges there is exploitation, abuse and disregard for workers' human rights.
He says the treatment has all the hallmarks of traditional colonisation.
Mr Keepa is calling on quota holders to meet Te Runanga o Nga Kaimahi Maori, the Maori division of the CTU, to talk about different ways to use the fishing quota.
The Government has announced it will launch an inquiry into the use of foreign chartered vessels in New Zealand waters.
