New Zealand First has welcomed the rejection of all overseas bids for Brierley’s share of Sealords but has questioned the role of the Overseas Investment Commission in the sale process.

“ We have campaigned vigorously for the disclosure of details of the sales process, and for the retention of New Zealand control over our fisheries resource,” said the Leader, Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“ Whilst it is pleasing that this decision has been taken it is of great concern that the Overseas Investment Commission was inclined to allow the process to advance in the first place. The Commission’s ‘approval in principle’ was clearly not in New Zealand’s best interests and was questionable given the fact that a large amount of quota is involved.

Mr Peters explained that a sale to New Zealand interests would mean that “New Zealanders will retain control of our resources, and of our employment and export potential. This way our future is in our hands,” he said.

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