Friday, 24 September, 2004

UFNZ Media Release For immediate release

Use boaties' fuel excise tax to fund recreational fishing organisations

Petrol excise duty that recreational boaties pay on fuel for their boats should be redirected to properly fund the interests of maritime recreational fishers, according to United Future and the Outdoor Recreation Party.

"The Big Game Fishing Council and the New Zealand Recreational Fishing Council - in the absence of a statutory body such as Fish and Game New Zealand - play an important role in looking after the interests of maritime recreational fishers," United Future's Larry Baldock said

However, both organisations suffer from a chronic shortage of the funds they require to carry out their role effectively and redirecting some of the petrol excise duty would help immensely, he said.

Refunds on excise duty are already available on fuel used in 'exempted vehicles' such as farming vehicles, some mobile machinery and commercial vehicles that don't travel by road. However, fuel used in 'recreational boats and pleasure craft' is specifically ineligible for such a refund.

"United Future and the Outdoor Recreation Party propose that fuel used in recreational boats and pleasure craft be included under the definition of an exempt vehicle, but rather than going to the fuel purchaser, the refund should go to boaties' pick of the two organisations," Mr Baldock said.

"This way petrol excise duty we can help uphold the birthright of all New Zealanders to access quality marine food resources without looking at the likes of a licensing regime for salt-water recreational fishing."

ENDS

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