Five Year Strategic Plan 2003 - 2008

New Zealand's aquatic environment is a limited resource of enormous value to all New Zealanders - both now and in the future. The concept of value and all it encompasses is a recurrent theme in this document and in our thinking as we look to the future of our fisheries. Our role is to work with all those who have an interest in our aquatic environment to protect this taonga for present and future generations.

VALUE TO ALL NEW ZEALANDERS

• The value to present and future generations of preserving the structure, function, and biodiversity of our aquatic environment.
• The value to Māori of sustainable aquatic resources and a healthy aquatic environment.
• The value gained from the pleasure of fishing for recreation.
• The value of a thriving seafood industry.
• The value of flourishing communities with a strong fisheries sector at their heart.

Message from the Minister of Fisheries

New Zealand's fisheries represent one of this country's most important natural renewable resources. But fisheries are just one part of a wider marine ecosystem, with a complex web of interrelationships that we are only slowly coming to understand.

It has long been clear that there are real challenges in ensuring that we utilise this wonderful resource in a sustainable way. The concept of sustainable utilisation is enshrined in the Fisheries Act 1996. It is also an inherent part of our Treaty relationship with tangata whenua, for whom the fishery has a special cultural value.

The Ministry of Fisheries has a key role to play. It is highly regarded internationally for the way it manages the fishery through the Quota Management System. But the Ministry must also be focused on strategic issues.

This strategic plan looks forward to the five years 2003-2008. It sets out the Ministry's core role and how it will work in collaboration with the wide range of interested parties who participate in government planning and decision-making on fisheries management. The strategy will give direction to the Ministry's annual Statement of Intent.

This strategic plan supports Ministers' desired outcomes to enhance the value and enjoyment of our fisheries for all New Zealanders and to minimise risks to our marine environment, including biosecurity threats. It highlights that the government wants to see stakeholders working together and taking greater responsibility for the resource they all enjoy.

The health of our oceans, our land and our people are inextricably linked. That is why this strategic plan is important. It is why the government is also developing an oceans policy, which will define overarching goals to guide us when different activities and interests in the marine environment come into conflict.

Ecological strains are beginning to show in our oceans. As our nation grows, those strains and conflicts will increase. Strategic thinking is essential to ensure that future generations of New Zealanders inherit the rich marine resources and healthy aquatic environment they deserve.

Hon Pete Hodgson
Minister of Fisheries

Realising the potential

New Zealand's fisheries management and biosecurity systems have produced positive environmental, social and economic outcomes for the nation. They have also provided mechanisms for the Crown to settle historical fisheries grievances with Māori. But more is required of these systems.

The challenge before us is to realise the full potential of our fisheries management and marine biosecurity systems for the benefit of all New Zealanders. It is about using the framework we have created not only to provide for the utilisation of fisheries resources now and in the future, but also to protect our aquatic environment and New Zealand's rich marine biodiversity.

This plan is about building on recent progress. It updates our previous five-year strategic plan and will guide the Ministry's ongoing contribution to managing fisheries resources and effects on the aquatic environment. It is significant that, rather than making a fresh start, it builds upon the foundations laid by the earlier strategic plan and the work we have done in recent years.

Part one considers the Ministry's vision for New Zealand's fisheries and the aquatic environment of which they are a part. It provides a clear statement on our views of the fisheries of the future and the strategies to get there. It provides the direction for those with an interest in fisheries and the aquatic environment to move forward with confidence and against which to chart progress.

Part two works through the contribution the Ministry will continue to make towards achieving the vision for New Zealand's fisheries and aquatic environment. It focuses on two areas: fisheries and biosecurity policies, both new and existing, and organisational initiatives to ensure the Ministry is ready and able to meet the challenges ahead.

It contains some shifts in emphasis necessary to fulfil the breadth of responsibilities inherent in our mission: To be the guardian of the multitudes of Tangaroa. These include an increased focus on our role in protecting our aquatic environment, and on creating opportunities for tangata whenua, fisheries stakeholders and the public to be more involved in management of fisheries resources and protection of the aquatic environment.

Warwick Tuck
Chief Executive

Fisheries and the aquatic environment

Click to see larger image 

OUR VISION

In order to chart a strong and direct course over the next five years and beyond, we all must have a clear view of where New Zealand's fisheries are headed. As guardians of the multitudes of New Zealand's waters, the Ministry of Fisheries must consider the aspirations of all New Zealanders who have an interest in fisheries and the aquatic environment, both now and in the future. While this is our vision for the future of our fisheries, we hope it is one you share and will work with us to achieve.

Picture This. New Zealand, 2010
New Zealanders' attitudes towards the fishery are characterised by confidence and respect. They have confidence in, and support, the way their fisheries and the aquatic environment are managed. They respect the rights of others who have a stake in the fishery and in the aquatic environment.

Benefiting All New Zealanders ...
Our fisheries resources are used sustainably and the aquatic environment is well protected, contributing to the well-being of New Zealanders and their communities, and in particular:

• a healthy aquatic environment that contributes to cultural, economic and social well-being
• customary Māori fisheries that contribute to the cultural health and well-being of iwi and hapu
• high-quality recreational fisheries that contribute to the social, cultural and economic well-being of all New Zealanders
• an internationally competitive and profitable seafood industry that makes a significant contribution to our economy.

... Now And In The Future
Fisheries resources and the aquatic environment are managed with care so future generations will continue to enjoy their many benefits.

Protecting The Natural Balance ...
Our aquatic environment is healthy and the richness of our biodiversity is vigilantly protected. Biosecurity risks are identified, and avoided or managed.

... And The Rights And Responsibilities Of New Zealanders
People with rights to use fisheries resources have responsibility, and are held accountable, for the management of those rights, within environmental limits and standards set by the government. They also meet the external environmental costs, and infrastructure costs, associated with their activities. Strong voluntary compliance with the rules and effective deterrence underpin the sustainable use of fisheries and protection of the aquatic environment.

Working Together
The Crown and Māori work in partnership to ensure the sustainable use of fisheries and protect the aquatic environment. Similarly, the Crown works closely with environmental, recreational, scientific, and commercial stakeholders to achieve this same goal.

Those who use fisheries resources and the aquatic environment recognise and respect each other's rights, responsibilities and interests. They work together constructively to resolve issues.

We work together to make the best decisions we can, using the best information and high-quality research and technologies.