Fisheries Forum to Develop Links Between NZ And Pacific

PRESS RELEASE – 7 November – for immediate use

Fisheries Forum to Develop Links Between NZ And Pacific Industries

Industry leaders from across the Pacific and New Zealand are set to come together on 14th November for a one-day fisheries forum to discuss partnership opportunities for the future in an increasingly competitive region.

The Pacific provides half of the world’s tuna catch, and the Pacific Islands nations’ have massive economic zones as does New Zealand, but how do they protect these? Cook Islands PM Henry Puna says “we are not small island states. We are large ocean states”. How can their interests be safeguarded from foreign fishing vessels venturing into their ocean territories?

The2012 “Pacific New Zealand Fisheries Forum: Hand in Hand, Investing Beyond Our Shores” is being presented by the Pacific Cooperation Foundation in association with the Pacific Islands’ Tuna Industry Association (PITIA), and will be held at Auckland’s Mercure Hotel on Wednesday November 14. Representatives from 14 Pacific Islands’ Forum member countries will be at the conference, hoping to develop business networks with companies that work within New Zealand’s fishing industry.

“The Pacific New Zealand Fisheries Forum aims to strengthen links between New Zealand and the Pacific,” says PCF CEO Meg Poutasi. “Throughout the day we’ll be identifying where they can work together to develop new opportunities, with a particular focus on markets in Asia.”

Keynote speaker Ngahiwi Tomoana; Ngāti Kahungunu, Chair of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated and former chair of Te Ohu Kaimoana Ltd; will speak about the opportunities for developing more formal relationships between the Pacific and Maori fisheries sectors and his experience and interest in developing Asian markets.

The programme will also include a number of industry leader panels covering topics such as future challenges for the sector, potential product and partnership opportunities, and gaining access to quality trained people and funding.

“The Fisheries Forum will be ideal for key decision-makers working with the fisheries industry, both in New Zealand and abroad,” says Meg. “Anyone with an interest in fisheries development and investment will also gain a new perspective, so I would strongly encourage them to attend.”

Registrations are now open, and media passes are available. Click here to register:
(http://www.pcf.org.nz/fisheriesforum2012/)

ENDS

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