MPs Invited To Free Meal To Watch ‘Coastwatch’

“The Coastwatch TV series starting on TV1 on Monday night should be compulsory viewing for MPs on the Primary Production Select Committee,” said Nadine Marshall, Secretary of the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE) who represent Fishery Officers. The show which screens on TV1 at 7.30 for eight weeks focuses on how Fishery Officers deal with people poaching or recreational fishers harming our fish stocks.

“Our Union intends inviting MPs to a free fish and chips with paua patties meal to watch the show and discuss the type of environment Fishery Officers have to operate in,” said Nadine Marshall.

“There are many more issues involved in the Fisheries portfolio than the scampi inquiry which has dominated public and media interest in the sector for 15 months. The last two weeks however have demonstrated the benefits of offering hospitality while lobbying MPs …….”

“Fishery Officers’ issues such as their health and safety and the value placed on their jobs have been put on hold for 15 months, while politicians grilled Ministry management about scampi. If it takes an offer of a free meal to get MPs interested in their issues, our Union is happy to pay.” “I can recommend the Coastwatch programme to all Kiwis interested in how a group of dedicated Fishery Officers are fighting to keep our fish stocks replenished so all Kiwis will benefit from them in the future,” said Nadine Marshall.

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