Could Southland Become “New Zealand’s Norway” for Salmon?

New Zealand First is hoping that Stewart Island will be chosen by King Salmon as the location for its new Salmon Farm.

“The prospect of 150 good quality jobs is a great opportunity for a Southland economy and would be massive for Stewart Island,” says Ria Bond, local New Zealand First List Member of Parliament.

“Given the cloud over Tiwai Point, the hit on dairy prices and an expected short-term downturn for lamb, it is a morale booster for our region. It could also bring in young families, guaranteeing the future of Halfmoon Bay School.

“New Zealand First research indicates that each surface hectare of seawater space generates a payroll of about $5 million every year.

“This could be the start of something massive here, since by weight alone, Norway exports more salmon and trout than New Zealand does with beef and lamb. What’s more, the salmon being farmed in New Zealand is like our aluminum, the best in the world.

“We also understand the Kiwi Salmon industry is the only one certified under the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch certification scheme and the Vancouver Aquarium Ocean Wise programme.

“Given Norway has a booming minerals industry it goes to prove that you can farm the land and the sea and still be green. Our door is definitely open to King Salmon and I hope the councils are too,” says Ms Bond.

ENDS

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