Mayors supportive of Government’s finfish proposals for the waters off Coromandel

The Mayors of Thames-Coromandel and the Hauraki District Councils have come out in support of the Government’s proposal to consider a new 300ha finfish farming area in the Hauraki Gulf.

“This proposal offers the potential for a new $100+ million industry in our waters – which if it goes ahead will be great for jobs and growth in these challenging economic times,” says Thames-Coromandel District Council Mayor Glenn Leach.

“We are fully supportive of the Government going out to the public to get feedback on this issue, and we believe that finfish farming has the potential to be developed in an environmentally sustainable manner.

“We know that the Marlborough region already benefits from the salmon industry, which brings in over $100 million per year, and generates 430 jobs.

“Equally the waters off Coromandel provide ideal growing conditions for other types of finfish species such as kingfish or hapuka – which could bring similar prosperity to our community.”

Hauraki District Council Mayor John Tregidga is equally supportive of the Government’s proposal, saying that he welcomes the chance to get public feedback on the proposed 300 ha area which is situated more than 5kms off the coast from Coromandel township.

“Experience in places like Marlborough shows that finfish can be grown and harvested in an environmentally sustainable manner,” he says.

“I know that the New Zealand salmon industry has recently been named as the top environmental performer out of 22 countries internationally.

“In the Hauraki Gulf, we are looking for a positive balance of economic growth with environmental sustainability – and we are aware that NZ aquaculture relies on maintaining their clean, green image to be able to sell into high-end niche market overseas.”

Mayor Tregidga says that if the proposal goes ahead after being considered by the independent commissioners, and industry subsequently gains consent to farm fish, then his council would be looking at encouraging the development of processing factories and value-added products within the region.

“It is exciting to have the opportunity to be involved in the development of a new industry with significant growth prospects – and if this proposal goes ahead, we not only want to ensure that it is undertaken in a sustainable manner, but that it also brings long-term production to our region.”

ENDS

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