MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE USE
1 NOVEMBER 1999
NATIONAL LOWERS FISHING INDUSTRY COSTS AS PROMISED
Fisheries Minister, Hon John Luxton, today announced that Cabinet had approved a $4.8 million reduction in cost recovery
levies for the fishing industry. Mr Luxton also confirmed that the changes to the fisheries cost recovery rules would be
backdated to 1 October 1999.
Today's decisions follow consultation with approved stakeholders on rules provisionally approved by Cabinet on 23 August
1999. The rules are based on recommendations made by a joint working group of the Ministry of Fisheries, Treasury,
industry and the Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commission.
"Cost recovery has been a bone of contention between industry and Government since 1994. National has delivered on its
commitment to implement a fairer regime and I am pleased that we have achieved a good result by working constructively
together."
"The changes will allow an already thriving industry to further build on its success as New Zealand's fourth largest
export earner," Mr Luxton said.
Consultation will now begin on the specific details of each levy, with a view to the new regime being in place by 1
December 1999.
ENDS