Strong Steps Needed To Preserve New Zealand Control Of Fishery

United Future leader, Hon Peter Dunne, wants the Government to take strong steps to preserve New Zealand control of the nation's fishing resources for current and future generations.

Mr Dunne says there are several moves afoot that could have an extremely adverse effect on retaining local control of our fishing resources.

"Major Japanese fishing companies like Maruha (through its involvement in Ceebay Holdings) already have access to New Zealand fishing quota, and others like Nissui are lining up to do deals with New Zealand companies to get access to local quota."

"The forthcoming sale of the Brierley shares in Sealords provides a further opportunity for overseas ownership of the local industry, and the potential transfer of quota offshore."

"At the same time Japan is pushing for the resumption of commercial whaling in defiance of world opinion, and our Government appears too timid to stand up to the Japanese for fear of upsetting our bilateral trade relations," he says.

Mr Dunne says it is time New Zealand took a strong stand to preserve control of its fishery.

"Both South Africa and the United States are taking clear steps to stop overseas ownership of their fishing resources, and New Zealand should do likewise with our own exclusive economic zone."

"It is time we honoured the original principle of the quota management system to ensure the future control of the local fishery lay with local people."

"Instead of caving in to pressure, and becoming an international doormat, we should follow President Clinton's example."

"If it is good enough for him to ban all Japanese fishing vessels from United States waters because of whaling, it is good enough for New Zealand to do likewise from our waters," he says.

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