11. TARIANA TURIA (Co-Leader—Māori Party) Link to this
to the Minister of Local Government
What action, if any, is his department taking to ensure cooperation between local councils and the aquaculture industry?
Hon JIM ANDERTON (Minister of Agriculture) Link to this
I am a member of the aquaculture Ministers group, and am aware that officials from the central government Aquaculture Implementation Team are running an extensive programme of engagement with local government and Aquaculture New Zealand to collaboratively develop the planning tools required for the creation of aquaculture management areas, which include a $2 million contestable fund to assist local government in aquacultural planning.
What responsibility should the Whangarei District Council take for having approved a state-of-the-art bio-septic tank system, which malfunctioned and placed an oyster farm at Pārua Bay, on the Whangarei Harbour, at risk from pollution?
That responsibility rests entirely with the regional council in Whangarei. I am advised that the regional council is currently monitoring the issue. Results from samples taken 2 weeks ago were within standards. The engineers and drainlayers associated with the development checked the design and installation. Some improvement works were required, and have been completed. If further work is required, it will be undertaken.
Does the Minister agree with Aquaculture New Zealand that the admission by the Whangarei District Council spokesperson that there is no routine monitoring to make sure septic systems are working is unacceptable; if so, what actions will he be taking to ensure that councils take responsibility for the risks that subdivisions pose to water quality, human health, and the $30 million a year aquaculture industry?
Just a matter of correction: it is not a $30 million a year industry; it is a $300 million a year industry. I would not want to undersell aquaculture! [ Interruption] Oh really! The cross-Government Aquaculture Implementation Team is working with the aquaculture industry to promote discussions with local councils about the importance of maintaining water quality standards for the aquaculture industry. The industry has, of course, identified water quality as a major issue into the future, and understands the need to work closely with local councils on land-use planning.
I thank the Minister for the correction, but I was talking about Whangarei. What response will he make to iwi and Māori organisations in the marine-farming industry that have consistently raised concerns about the role of regional councils in the allocation of aquaculture space?
I would think that Māori organisations would be very pleased with the fact that the Government has funded the discussions about, and development of, aquaculture at a regional level to the tune of $2 million in direct funding and another $1 million to develop particular projects. The member might be pleased also to celebrate the fact that aquacultural areas have developed by 48 percent over the last 5 years, which is the fastest rate of aquaculture development in New Zealand’s history.
Phil Heatley