Strategic Direction

Strategic Goals and Outcomes

The Government’s overall goal for the fisheries sector, as stated in Fisheries 2030, is:

“New Zealanders maximising benefits from the use of fisheries within environmental limits”.

This goal recognises the different benefits New Zealanders gain through the various uses of fisheries resources but reminds us that ultimately we are constrained by the environmental impact of our activities.

The two fisheries sector outcomes and their supporting outcomes are:

• Use outcome – fisheries resources are used in a manner that provides greatest overall economic, social and cultural benefit:
  • an internationally competitive and profitable seafood industry that makes a significant contribution to our economy
  • high-quality amateur fisheries that contribute to the social, cultural, and economic well-being of all New Zealanders
  • thriving customary fisheries, managed in accordance with kaitiakitanga, supporting the cultural well-being of iwi and hapū
  • healthy fisheries resources in their aquatic environment that reflect and provide for intrinsic and amenity value.

• Environment outcome – the capacity and integrity of the aquatic environment, habitats and species are sustained at levels that provide for current and future use:
  • biodiversity and the function of ecological systems, including trophic linkages, are conserved
  • habitats of special significance to fisheries are protected
  • adverse effects on protected species are reduced or avoided
  • impacts, including cumulative impacts, of activities on land, air or water on aquatic ecosystems are addressed.

Sound governance arrangements that are well specified, transparent, and which support cost-effective and accountable decision-making are necessary conditions to delivering on the strategy and achieving these outcomes. The key governance conditions are:

• The Treaty partnership is realised through the Crown and Māori clearly defining their respective rights and responsibilities in terms of governance and management of fisheries resources.
   
• The public have confidence and trust in the effectiveness and integrity of the fisheries and aquaculture management regimes.
   
• All stakeholders have rights and responsibilities related to the use and management of fisheries resources that are understood and for which people can be held individually and collectively accountable.
   
• We have an enabling framework that allows stakeholders to create optimal economic, social, and cultural value from their rights and interests.
   
• We have an accountable, responsive, dynamic, and transparent system of management.