Rahui Katene
MP for Te Tai Tonga | Maori Party Deputy Whip
Maori Party Fisheries Spokesperson
Thursday 4 August 2011

Maori Party fisheries spokesperson Rahui Katene has welcomed news that the Service and Food Workers Union Nga Ringa Tota have presented their petition to the Primary Production Select Committee calling for an inquiry into the fishing industry.

The petition, signed by over 12,000 New Zealanders, called for an inquiry into the fishing industry including its relationship with foreign fishing companies, foreign crewing of joint ventures, chartered and New Zealand fishing vessels, and its effects on sustainable fishing practices, employment, and the relevant communities within Aotearoa.

“At the time I received the petition from the Union I outlined my concerns that so many jobs had been lost in the fishing industry. That position has not improved since I received the petition in February this year.

"Subsequent to that time, Fishing and Aquaculture Minister Phil Heatley and Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson announced a joint review into the treatment of foreign workers within New Zealand's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) (14 July 2011).

“I am really pleased that the Primary Production Select Committee has considered the views of the Union, and I support the call for the Ministerial inquiry to be broadened to enable a comprehensive inquiry into the state of the New Zealand fishing industry; particularly in terms of jobs for Maori.

“Iwi leaders continue to assure me that they would also like to see rangatahi Maori employed in the fishing industry. I would hope that the inquiry will enable a full and robust analysis of all issues impacting on such a critical sector.

ENDS

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