New Zealand has launched its newly-constituted fisheries management body, under new fisheries minister, Labour party member Stuart Nash. Nash has been critical of the ministry for primary industries, believing it has lost its way, wrote Seafood New Zealand chief executive Tim Pankhurst in an email newsletter. “Labour’s pre-election fisheries policy cited a decline in fisheries management capability, a long list of promises never delivered, slow pace of operational decision making and a scarcity of dedicated fisheries officers and observers,” he said. “Will the new Fisheries New Zealand be any different?”
Nash apparently gave little insight at the launch, providing no policy detail. “But he did repeat his pledge to engage with key stakeholders in a meaningful way, saying we all want the same thing, that is ‘abundant’ fisheries.” The new unit’s head is Dan Bolger — a son of former prime minister Jim Bolger. The position was not advertised. He is Nash’s preferred appointee, “but by all accounts he is decent, determined and prepared to listen rather than dictate”, said Pankhurst. Bolger noted the New Zealand exclusive economic zone — the world’s fourth largest — is so vast it is equivalent to one square kilometer for every New Zealander; a lot of environment to look after.
He also cited the importance of the seafood sector to the economy. “The science tells us that the majority of our fish stocks are okay, the basis and platform is sturdy,” Pankhurst cited Bolger as saying. Kelvin Davis, minister of crown/Maori relations (also a newly created role) chose the launch of Fisheries New Zealand to stress Maori — who are major players in the fishing industry with about 40% of the total quota — did not want to be a handbrake on progress, looking for a handout or compensation, but rather participants searching for solutions. Te Ohu Kaimoana chair Jamie Tuuta said managing the views of competing interests was always a challenge, and he expected Fisheries NZ would be soon put to the test. He said relations had been tested to breaking point with the previous government and welcomed a new approach. He reminded Nash of his commitment made at the Maori Fisheries conference in March to gain iwi input into Fisheries NZ thinking before important decisions are made. That is something we will hold you to.