OUTPUT 11 - UTILISATION AND SUSTAINABILITY POLICY ADVICE PROVIDED
DESCRIPTION
This output is designed to provide advice on policy development and to promote new frameworks aimed at:
- protecting the health of the aquatic environment
- enabling New Zealanders to get the best value from the sustainable and efficient use of fisheries
- ensuring the Crown delivers on its obligations to Maori with respect to fisheries.
EXPLANATION
The work programme being undertaken by the Ministry's Policy and Treaty Strategy group covers a range of policy development activities, including the following key areas.
Aquaculture reforms
The present system of aquaculture management is fragmented, with applications for permits requiring approvals from different agencies.
The purpose of the aquaculture reforms is to streamline the approval process by bringing it under one agency. The Ministry has a central role in the reforms, which, when implemented, will allow the aquaculture industry to increase its contribution to the New Zealand economy. The legislative changes necessary to give effect to the reforms are expected to be completed in the 2004/05 year.
The work programme being undertaken by the Ministry's Policy and Treaty Strategy group covers a range of policy development activities, including the following key areas:
Aquaculture reforms
The present system of aquaculture management is fragmented, with applications for permits requiring approvals from different agencies.
The purpose of the aquaculture reforms is to streamline the approval process by bringing it under one agency. The Ministry has a central role in the reforms, which, when implemented, will allow the aquaculture industry to increase its contribution to the New Zealand economy. The legislative changes necessary to give effect to the reforms are expected to be completed in the 2004/05 year.
Fisheries Act amendment
The present processes of identifying species for, and introducing species into, the quota management system need to be improved to reflect the Government's preferred approach for managing fisheries.
The allocation of quota also needs to be improved, reflecting the reality that the current allocation mechanisms are becoming outdated and are impeding effective management. Similarly, the rationale for the continuation of the permit moratorium is weak; a new framework for authorising commercial fishing therefore needs to be implemented in the near future. The legislative amendments required to implement these changes are expected to be completed in the 2004/05 year.
Fisheries Deed of Settlement
The Ministry recognises the need to improve on the delivery of its legislative obligations to Ma - ori, and its responsibilities under the principles of the Treaty. The Ministry has neither the skilled personnel nor processes necessary to interact effectively with iwi. The purpose of the project is to review the way the Ministry delivers on its obligations. The principal objectives are to assess the nature and extent of our obligations, develop a comprehensive strategy for delivering on those obligations, and develop an implementation plan for the strategy across the Ministry. This is expected to be completed in the 2004/05 year.
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
Performance expectations.
| Dimension |
Description |
|
| Quality |
At least 90% of results achieved to specified quality standards |
| Cost |
Actual expenditure is within the range of 90% - 110% of the budgeted amount |
| Time |
At least 90% of the agreed results are achieved within the required timeframe |
|
RESULTS
Performance results.
| Milestone |
Quality & timeliness |
Commentary |
|
Support the introduction and passage of aquaculture legislation.
|
Achieved |
The Aquaculture Reform Bill was enacted on 1 January 2005.
|
|
| By 30 September 2004, commence implementation of amendments to the Fisheries Act 1996, and effect consequent regulation and permit changes |
Achieved |
The Fisheries Amendment Act (No. 3) 2004 received Royal Assent on 6 September 2004 and the Fisheries Amendment Act (No. 4) 2004 received Royal Assent on 12 August 2004. Necessary regulatory amendments were promulgated prior to 1 October 2004. New fishing permits were issued to all commercial fishers complying with the new law. |
|
| By 30 June 2005, complete consultation with iwi on the draft approach for implementing the Ministry's obligations under the Fisheries Deed of Settlement |
Not achieved |
Diversion of resources to issues including aquaculture Treaty issues and the Maori Fisheries Bill delayed policy work and further consultation with iwi. However, key operational elements of the Treaty Strategy, particularly the regional forum engagement model and relationship management positions are now being implemented through the Deed of Settlement Implementation Project. The scope of the policy project has been amended to encompass documenting obligations comprehensively, developing outcomes and establishing a monitoring regime. It is currently planned to finalise internally the Treaty Strategy redraft by 30 October 2005 and initiate consultation with iwi in the third quarter of 2005/06. |
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