Tuesday 11 Dec 2001

The Fisheries Minister's claim that the two-year moratorium on marine farming has met widespread industry approval is just nonsense, ACT MP Penny Webster said today.

"The Minister himself has admitted the huge amount of money involved in getting a project up and running.

"True to form, the Government acted without consulting iwi, aquaculture companies, or the communities affected by this decision.

"The moratorium will stifle export industry and job creation, especially in areas such as Northland, Kaipara and Rodney.

"These are areas of the country that the Minister of Economic Development has been wooing with promises of jobs.

"These regions cannot develop if any initiative that uses their natural resources is stamped on and delayed," Mrs Webster said.

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