Introduction from the Chief Executive

New Zealand’s fisheries and aquatic environment contribute to the economic, cultural and social wellbeing of New Zealanders. Our fisheries have been a national taonga for many generations. Fishing is also one of New Zealand's most popular recreational activities, with one in five of us fishing for recreation each year. And in 2009, the value of New Zealand's commercial fish stock quota passed the $4 billion mark.

The Ministry of Fisheries is responsible for ensuring that while the benefits we get from using fisheries are maximised, we stay within environmental limits so they can be used and enjoyed by generations to come.

We will continue this year to develop standards to set benchmarks for the maximum acceptable level of environmental impact.

We have made progress over the past year in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations. The 2009 organisational re-design better aligned the Ministry to achieve our operational goals and deliver on the outcomes in Fisheries 2030. Those outcomes have been endorsed by Cabinet, and provide strategic direction and desired outcomes for the entire fisheries sector.

As part of our commitment to greater efficiency and effectiveness in the Ministry’s operations, we will establish a performance monitoring and evaluation framework that will tell us if we are achieving our outcomes and contributing to the achievement of wider fisheries sector outcomes.

The Research Services Strategy and Research Standard will be finalised, aiming to deliver clear, focused, quality scientific research for fisheries management in an efficient way.

The aquaculture regime is being reformed to increase the contribution that marine farming makes to the New Zealand economy. These reforms will streamline the regulatory processes surrounding aquaculture and prioritise resources across Government to support aquaculture development.

Amateur fishing is also a focus for the Ministry. Facilitation of negotiations for non-commercial fishing areas is being undertaken. Non-commercial fishing areas would enhance the quality of the fishing experience for amateur fishers. Research on amateur catch and the introduction of charter boat catch reporting will increase the information base on which we provide management advice.

Education and enforcement remain key compliance tools to ensuring sustainable use of the fisheries resource.

We will continue to work towards fulfilling the Crown’s fisheries obligations to tangata whenua through delivery of the Treaty Strategy and Treaty Settlements process. Development of Fisheries Plans and Iwi Fisheries Plans will also assist in achieving well-defined and transparent fisheries management.

As Chief Executive, I look forward to leading the Ministry as we work to “maximise the benefits from the use of fisheries within environmental limits.”

Chief Executive Statement of Responsibility

In signing this statement, I acknowledge that I am responsible for the information contained in the Statement of Intent for the Ministry of Fisheries. This information has been prepared in accordance with the Public Finance Act 1989. It is also consistent with the proposed appropriations set out in the Appropriations (2010/11 Estimates) Bill, as presented to the House of Representatives in accordance with section 13 of the Public Finance Act 1989, and with existing appropriations and financial authorities.


Wayne McNee
Chief Executive