Foreword

New Zealand’s fisheries resources are one of this country’s most important renewable natural resources. To preserve their value for both current and future generations, fisheries resources require careful stewardship by all those who value and enjoy them.

This Statement of Intent sets out the Ministry of Fisheries’ strategic direction, its priorities for the next three years, and the output plan for 2005/06. It also indicates the Ministry’s intention to take a stronger leadership role in the fisheries sector and increase its engagement in the Government’s Growth and Innovation Strategy, and how it will work with the wide range of interested parties who want to participate effectively in fisheries decision-making processes. The Statement of Intent supports relevant Government goals. As part of wider State Sector reforms, statements of intent are becoming the core departmental accountability document at the annual operational and strategic levels. At the strategic level, they are taking the place of departmental strategic plans.

Changes will be made to improve the way the Ministry operates. These changes recognise key messages emerging from consultation and interaction with fisheries stakeholders and take into account the Government’s policy directions.

Substantial progress has been made in bringing species into the Quota Management System (QMS). In addition to assessing other commercially caught species for possible introduction to the QMS, the focus will now shift to improving the environmental performance of the fisheries sector and developing an objectivesbased approach to fisheries management. The Ministry will work with tangata whenua and stakeholders to develo pmanagement plans specifying objectives for fisheries and associated implementation strategies and services to achieve the objectives.

Management plans will replace the Stock Strategies proposed in previous Ministry documents. Creation of better opportunities for tangata whenua, commercial and recreational fishers, environmental interests, and the public to become involved in the
management of our fisheries resources, will support the new focus.