United New Zealand leader, Hon Peter Dunne, is concerned at the processes involved in assessing which foreign fishing companies may fish in our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

"I have asked both the Ministers of Fisheries and Finance if they are satisfied with both the processes involved and the administration of those processes," he says.

"My concern is based on research I have completed on Maruha, one of Japan's largest fishing companies."

"The evidence prepared by the Ministry of Fisheries shows that Maruha is: * Trading in illegal Toothfish; * Catching Mink Whales in Antarctica; * Subject to United States Court proceedings for price fixing in the American salmon market; * Providing false information to the New Zealand Overseas Investment Commission," he says.

Mr Dunne says he is surprised the Maruha application is moving smoothly through the New Zealand vetting process, raising no ripples at all.

"It makes me wonder what the Greens are up to in this instance, and how Ministers always seem to let themselves get hijacked by their Departments."

"I see absolutely no reason why companies like Maruha should be allowed in our waters at all," Mr Dunne says.

ENDS

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