12. SHANE ARDERN (National—Taranaki - King Country) Link to this
to the Minister for Economic Development
What support is the Government giving to encourage the development of the aquaculture industry in New Zealand?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Minister for Economic Development) Link to this
Last week I announced that the Government is contributing $1.69 million to develop a shared research facility for seafood and aquaculture innovation, which is likely to result in substantial national economic benefits. The facility will allow greater collaboration between research organisations, education providers, and industry. The aquaculture industry will benefit from the world-class science undertaken at the Cawthron Institute’s new $5.73 million facility in Nelson.
There must be more. What other support is the Government giving to encourage the development of the aquaculture industry in New Zealand?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE Link to this
Quite apart from the fact that the aquaculture industry in New Zealand finds it a refreshing change to deal with the current Government, my colleague the Hon Phil Heatley is advancing new legislation to provide a better framework for the industry. We have also supported the development of new markets for New Zealand aquacultural product through the aquaculture market development contestable fund, and in January of this year I announced a further $500,000 to help New Zealand aquaculture companies to take advantage of emerging markets offshore. We expect the activity generated by new projects will build on the five projects that are already under way for two of aquaculture’s flagship species: greenshell mussels and king salmon. Along with Pacific oysters, these species are major contributors to the growth of aquacultural production in New Zealand. The industry is working hard to establish its brand in international markets, although I must say it does not appear to be putting itself through the same contortions that the Labour Party is over its brand.