8. COLIN KING (National—Kaikōura) Link to this
to the Minister of Fisheries
What progress has the Government made with regards to aquaculture reform?
Hon PHIL HEATLEY (Minister of Fisheries) Link to this
I am pleased to announce that we have formed a technical advisory group of those with knowledge of the marine farming industry, those who know at first hand about the industry and its challenges. This group will support the Government in its work towards vastly improving the current aquaculture regime. Solving the issues in aquaculture is an important priority for this Government, and we expect this group to report back to us later this year with some very strict and smart recommendations.
I am delighted to announce that Doug Kidd, a former Minister of Fisheries, has agreed to chair the group. Other members of the group include Dennis Bush-King, a Resource Management Act specialist, Mike Burrell, the chief executive of Aquaculture New Zealand, Kirsty Woods from Te Ohu Kaimoana, Nici Gibbs from the Seafood Industry Council, Mark Farnsworth from Northland Regional Council, and Keir Volkerling, a Resource Management Act consultant. All members have unique technical expertise and are well versed in the operations of the industry on the ground.
Broadly speaking, the group is to generate proposals for reform of the aquaculture legislation, which desperately needs it. It will review any advice on proposals provided to it. It will report directly to me, to the Hon Nick Smith, and to the Hon Gerry Brownlee through written recommendations and meetings as required.