New ocean sanctuary welcome, but compensation principle important

Press release: ACT New Zealand
September 29, 2015. 1:05pm

ACT Leader David Seymour has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement of an Ocean Sanctuary in the Kermadec region, but says the government must consider the costs imposed on private businesses.

“An important principle is at stake here. If justified, existing operators in fisheries and mining should be fully compensated,” said Mr Seymour.

“We all want to protect the environment, but as a nation we should not be doing so at the expense of individuals who have invested in hitherto legitimate activities in this area.

“Otherwise this would be an important environmental win achieved at the expense of others’ livelihoods.

"I agree with the sentiment expressed by the Chair of Seafood NZ, that we should expect 'compassionate treatment of those New Zealand families whose livelihoods will be impacted'.

“As taxpayers we must be prepared to pay adequate compensation, if justified, to the those families whose livelihoods are affected. ACT will be looking out for the consideration of compensation options in Nick Smith’s discussion paper released later this year.”

ENDS

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