Chief Executive’s Overview

The Ministry wants people to be able to maximise the benefits they get from fishing. Fishing must take place within the limits that are established to ensure the greatest benefit is obtained for New Zealand – both now and in the future. 

Fishers need to have confidence in the integrity of the fisheries management processes and to accept the constraints and incentives needed to achieve the overall management objectives. Confidence will come if the management system provides certainty to stakeholders, is adaptable in the light of new information, and if stakeholders find it effective and reasonable.

During 2008/09 the Ministry was engaged in two significant initiatives which are in line with government priorities and will, when implemented, set a course for our fisheries over the next 20 years.