10 December 2008
Media Release
Aquaculture Sector host first ministerial function
Wednesday night (10/12) sees Aquaculture New Zealand hosting the Minister of Fisheries Hon Phil Heatley and the Minister
for the Environment and MP for Nelson Hon Dr Nick Smith at their first function as Ministers.
The function provides an opportunity for the Ministers and the sector to get together in a relatively informal manner to
discuss aquaculture’s potential to be an economic contributor.
There is no doubt the aquaculture sector can be the next major primary sector and we are confident of realising and
surpassing the aspirations set out in the sector strategy released just over two years ago.
Despite being in times of economic uncertainty aquaculture has the ability to strengthen its position as an exporter
whilst creating opportunities for investment and employment,” said Mike Burrell Aquaculture New Zealand CEO. “This is
particularly true in regional and coastal areas where a number of other industries have recently retrenched.
“The new government has expressed support for the sector and a commitment to a review of the RMA, with these significant
opportunities we can see a real opportunity for growth and development.
“It is a balanced growth we are envisaging with the ability to create an appropriate balance between environmental
protection and realising the economic opportunities we believe are inherent in the sector.”
Aquaculture, a sector with a proven track record of driving its own future, is at its next stage of growth. It is a
next stage which will see the sector move from being a boutique exporter to a major primary industry alongside that of
agriculture and horticulture. It is certainly a sector with the headroom for this quantum of growth.
“At a time where the contribution exporters can make to a recovery is often discussed, the aquaculture sector, as one of
the potential contributors, is looking forward to working with the government in pursuing an appropriate balance between
meeting the country’s environmental responsibilities and taking up our economic opportunities”, said Mr Burrell.
Ends