Minister must front up to angry fishers

The National Party’s putting the heat on Pete Hodgson to meet with angry fishers, who say the Government’s divvy up of fishing quota has left them up the creek without a paddle.

“This group of fishers is planning a protest at Parliament tomorrow, (Tuesday 03 December) but they’ve been given no assurance from their Minister that he’ll be there to hear their concerns,” says National’s Fisheries spokesman Phil Heatley.

“In short, all these people want is a fair go, and to be heard.

“The Fisheries Minister is not giving them the chance to get either,” Mr Heatley says.

“The Minister’s decisions have cost some of those in the paddle crab and pilchard industry their businesses.

“On one hand you’ve got Michael Cullen suggesting quota shouldn’t be based on decade-old figures, and on the other hand you’ve got Pete Hodgson pushing ahead with the process,” Mr Heatley says

“I’m challenging the Minister to meet with these people when they reach Parliament.

“Perhaps he could even go one further, and actually take notice of what they’re saying,” Mr Heatley says.

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