about us

On 1 July 2011, the Ministry of Fisheries (MFish) merged with MAF. The merger significantly enhances our ability to deliver high-quality services and support to the whole of the primary sector. It also enables us to deliver more integrated strategic advice on long-term economic growth through the sustainable management of natural resources used by the primary sector.

MAF is focused on growing and protecting New Zealand. We are developing a new organisational strategy to increase the sustainable economic growth of New Zealand's primary sector.

MAF works right across the sector from primary producers through to retailers and consumers. Key functions include:

• Providing policy advice and programmes that support the sustainable development of New Zealand's primary industries 
• Being the Government's principal adviser on fisheries and aquaculture management 
• Providing "whole of system" leadership of New Zealand's biosecurity system 
• Managing forestry assets for the Crown 
• Providing or purchasing services to maintain the effective management of New Zealand's fisheries 
• Protecting consumers of New Zealand food, whether here or overseas 
• Providing effective food regulation for food produced or consumed in New Zealand, including imported and exported food products 
• Developing policies and influencing behaviours that promote the safety of our food.

For the immediate future, we will continue operating under the MAF and MFish names and brands. Until further developments are made, key contact information, phone numbers, addresses, and other details remain much as before.

For more about Our Structure, SLT and Current Priorities, please click directly to this part of the MAF website.