Government agencies

Department of Conservation (DoC)

DoC has a statutory function to advocate for conservation of natural and historic resources. It also has responsibility for marine reserves and protecting marine mammals and seabirds. The Chief Executive of DoC is a member of the Biosecurity Chief Executives Forum.

The Ministry works with DoC on operational advice concerning protected species interactions with fishing, and marine reserve proposals under the Marine Reserves Act. The views and input of DoC officials are often sought in the development of Ministry policy. DoC regional offices interact with Ministry staff at the local level on fisheries related issues. The Ministry administers the conservation services cost recovery levy process. DoC and the Ministry are working together on the Marine Protected Area Strategy.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalises the departments' agreement to work together. It is directed at ensuring cooperation in a number of areas including protected species fisheries interactions, marine reserves, biosecurity risks, research and the nature and extent of fisheries and conservation services. Despite the MOU there is still unproductive tension between the agencies on some issues. Both Chief Executives are committed to improvement, and are establishing processes to ensure the departments work in a constructive manner to achieve the overall collective interests of government.

A Marine Reserve Protocol between the Ministry and DoC was implemented on 1 August 2003. The protocol serves to integrate the distinct roles that the two agencies have in promoting and evaluating marine reserve applications by DoC or non-government agencies. It outlines processes both departments will follow to promote open communication, integrity, and professionalism when dealing with each other. It also sets out steps that should ensure the statutory requirements of the Marine Reserves Act are met. The Ministry and DoC have also worked to coordinate research programmes related to the effects of fishing on the aquatic environment.

Ministry for the Environment (MfE)

MfE provides advice on the state of the New Zealand environment, the way environmental laws work in practice and actions necessary to improve environmental management. It administers the Resource Management Act and contributes to interdepartmental work on biological diversity and marine environmental issues.

MfE and the Ministry are working together on implementation of the recent aquaculture reforms and Oceans Policy. MfE also provides input on a range of fisheries policy issues.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)

The Ministry works closely with MFAT on international fisheries issues. Issues relate mainly to protecting and enhancing New Zealand's fisheries interests in global fisheries agreements, regional fisheries management, foreign licensing and market access. Although MFAT is the lead government agency on most international fisheries issues, the Ministry provides specialised technical support.

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF)

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) provides advice to the Government on agriculture, forestry, and biosecurity matters, including primary production and trade.

Two areas of MAF's responsibility of particular interest to the Ministry are its biosecurity role, due to the potential impacts of invasive species on management of fisheries, and its lead role in governance issues related to FAO and OECD.

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority is a separate organisation attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. It administers legislation covering food (including seafood) for sale on the domestic market, primary processing of animal products and official assurances related to their export, exports of plant products and the controls surrounding registration and use of agricultural compounds and veterinary medicines. It is the New Zealand's controlling authority for imports and exports of food and food related products.

Biosecurity New Zealand work to achieve and abide by the Biosecurity Strategy, which was published in August 2003 by the Biosecurity Council. The Ministry of Fisheries supports this work by contributing to the development of improvements to the biosecurity system and by providing advice to Ministers on fishing-related impacts of biosecurity decisions. The Ministry also provides data management and contract management services to MAF following the transfer of marine bosecurity functions.

Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (MoRST) and Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FoRST)

The Ministry works with MoRST and FoRST to determine research and funding priorities in fisheries research and minimise the overlap of research between funding organisations.

New Zealand Police

The Ministry has a Memorandum of Understanding with New Zealand Police that provides the formal authority for operational arrangements of mutual co-operation and assistance. In addition to the primary law enforcement and policing roles, sworn members of Police are deemed to be Fishery Officers under the Fisheries Act.

Active co-operation between the Ministry compliance business and NZ Police includes the provision of operational support in specific enforcement operations and training and development of personnel. Collaboration also occurs in other areas including health and safety of personnel, development and operation of new processes, systems and technologies, sharing of specialised skills/capacity and resources, and sharing of technology and information.

New Zealand Defence Forces

The NZ Defence Forces have responsibility for surface and aerial surveillance of the EEZ. The Ministry and the NZ Defence Force share information on offshore fishing operations to ensure that surveillance efforts are directed at the areas of highest risk and that fisheries related surveillance capacity is efficiently utilised.

The Ministry continues to support and participate in the implementation of the Maritime Patrol Review outcomes, including increased and improved aerial surveillance and the upgrading of the

Navy fleet. Along with other agencies with interests and responsibilities in the maritime environment, the Ministry contributes to the operation of the Maritime Intelligence Co-ordination Centre (MICC), established in 2001 at the Joint Defence Operations Headquarters at Trentham. A National Maritime Co-ordination Centre (NMCC) has been established, also at the Joint Defence Operations Headquarters, to co-ordinate all government maritime patrol requirements and delivery of surveillance and patrol services. The Ministry is an active participant in the working group and the operation of the NMCC.

Other

The Ministry works with Treasury, Te Puni Kökiri, Office of Treaty Settlements, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ministry of Justice, State Services Commission, Ministry of Economic Development, Department of Labour, Environmental Risk Management Authority, and Customs on fisheries related issues as they arise.