Operating intentions
Outcome 3: Credible fisheries management
What are we seeking to achieve?
The Ministry’s aim is to ensure New Zealanders have confidence in our fisheries management system. Credibility is important for effective management of fisheries, especially when encouraging voluntary compliance with fisheries rules.
Transparency of information and processes is essential for credibility. Tangata whenua and stakeholders need to know that scientific and other information on which fisheries decisions are made is robust. Monitoring against objectives and standards and public reporting on progress ensures accountability for results. Transparency about whether and how we are meeting objectives also provides evidence that the Ministry is achieving value for money.
How will we demonstrate success?
Credible fisheries management is a cornerstone to the success of our fisheries management regime. Therefore, achievement in this outcome will be most clearly demonstrated through accomplishments in our other two outcomes.
In addition, the following performance measures more directly signal whether we have succeeded in achieving credible management.
- Voluntary compliance is increasing, as measured by compliance levels, such as, the ratio of inspections to the number of offences detected. The following are our specific targets.
| Commercial fisheries |
Compliance level |
| Vessel inspections (in port, at sea, landings) |
≥ 80% |
| Licensed Fish Receiver inspections |
≥ 85% |
Monthly Harvest returns monitored, and
unfurnished and late returns followed up |
100% |
| Non-commercial fisheries |
|
| Inspections (vessels, vehicles and persons) |
≥ 85% |
| Poaching and black market activities |
|
| Dealer in fish inspections |
≥ 85% |
- Public confidence in New Zealand fisheries management is increasing, as measured by independent surveys.
- The Ministry has agreed arrangements with an increasing number of iwi for their integrated participation in fisheries management, that is, participation that brings together their iwi and hapū, commercial and non-commercial interests.
- The Ministry is providing tangata whenua, stakeholders, and other interested parties with high quality, relevant information about our fisheries and about our performance as fisheries managers, in a cost-effective way.
What will we do to achieve this?
Develop a long-term strategy in conjunction with stakeholders
Fisheries 2030 is intended to be a strategy for everyone with a stake in our fisheries. Development of a plan of action that is transparent, shared and supported by stakeholders, tangata whenua and government will provide credibility and act as the driver required to move the sector forward over the next three to five years.
Act in accordance with Treaty Principles and the Deed of Settlement
The Ministry must act in accordance with Treaty principles: the principle of partnership; the principle of active protection; the principle of redress. We must act reasonably, honourably, and in good faith, and make informed decisions.
The Government has committed to specific obligations with tangata whenua, including their input and participation in fisheries management, particularly regarding sustainability decisions that affect their fishing interests. Our Treaty Strategy aims to build better working relationships with tangata whenua and improve the delivery of settlement obligations.
The Ministry will also continue to work on reaching Treaty of Waitangi settlements and on implementing the Crown’s obligations under the Māori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act 2004. Ministry participation in these settlement processes will seek to address Māori aspirations for management of fisheries in a manner consistent with the Deed and wider fisheries management, but also recognising the resources available.
Stakeholder involvement and outreach
The Ministry strives to engage effectively and efficiently with stakeholders to ensure our fisheries management decisions are credible.
We will make use of various tools, such as our website, publications, correspondence, workshops and meetings, to inform and engage with targeted stakeholders on specific issues in a cost-effective way.
Development of standards
The Ministry will progress the development of standards to support transparent and efficient delivery of its services. These standards will underpin accountability and will provide a basis for the development of innovative and effective ways of achieving objectives. Priority will be given to developing those standards required for services.
Monitor and report on performance
The Ministry is currently developing a monitoring and evaluation regime to assess and report on performance. We are concentrating our efforts on the monitoring of outcomes, standards, and fisheries plan objectives. This work will provide the basis for improved accountability and transparency. It will tell us that progress is occurring against our outcomes and our services are delivering value for money.