6. Organisational health and capability

1. Improving stakeholder relations, public awareness and communications

The Ministry is committed to increasing the level of participation by tangata whenua, stakeholders and the general public and their level of fisheries information. We will do this by encouraging engagement in the strategic management of New Zealand's fisheries, and promoting involvement in the development of fisheries plans. Ongoing investment is being made to improve web-based capability to share fisheries information and views with tangata whenua, stakeholders and other interested parties. Its purpose is to make accessible to stakeholders information we have on fisheries and the aquatic environment.

Maintaining a healthy and sustainable fishery requires the engagement and support of fisheries stakeholders. But, when there are differing expectations and values amongst interest groups, relationships can suffer if stakeholders believe their views are not being taken into account. Seeing and understanding each other's point of view is critical to improving relationship management. Along with helping build the capability of sector stakeholders to engage with each other, the Ministry will work to improve its own relationship management with all stakeholders.

Investments in our education website content, www.starfish.govt.nz will be completed in early 2008/09. The web material is targeted to improving younger peoples' awareness and knowledge of the marine environment and our fisheries.

For the start of the 2008/09 year we will have established a single database for external contacts. This will enhance communication by ensuring our mail outs are properly targeted and contact details are up to date.