Hon Phil Heatley - Seafic Conference Speech

 

7 May, 2009

 

Thank you for your invitation here today. 

 

Although I have been to several conferences previously - I was, after all, opposition fisheries spokesman for five years - it is a great pleasure to attend my first as Minister of Fisheries. 

 

I have held the portfolio for six months now, and those months have certainly gone by very quickly. 

 

There is a lot happening in government generally and in the fisheries portfolio specifically.

 

One of the greatest rewards I've had so far has been getting around the country and catching up with industry representatives, many of whom are here today.

 

I have also had numerous meetings with industry leaders here in Wellington.

 

What strikes me at these meetings is your universal determination to succeed, and, perhaps the reason for your single-mindedness, your passion for seafood.

 

This enthusiasm drives me, and I actually want to deliver better regulatory and legislative outcomes in shorter timeframes - taking into account the many non-fishing and non-commercial stakeholder groups in the sector, of course.

 

I know you have an awareness of the benefits of your industry beyond your own personal bottom lines, and I thank you for that increasing awareness.

 

Certainly the Government is well aware of your industry's importance to the country's economic wellbeing.

 

Collectively you earn hundreds of millions of dollars in export revenues who employ tens of thousands of New Zealanders; you are an important group whose determination and passion is needed more than ever.

 

I am aware that the global slowdown has you facing big issues, including the cost and availability of credit, currency market instability, and variable demand for some products in some countries.

 

These challenges have been building for some time, and in all likelihood they will continue to grow in importance.

 

Chief amongst these is the growing importance of independently certified sustainability when selling seafood to affluent markets like the United States, Europe and Australia, not to mention domestic sales.

 

Given these pressures it is vital that you receive the support you need from central government.

 

The issue of government imposed costs was raised with me by industry leaders when I first took up the fisheries portfolio.

 

As you are no doubt aware, all government departments have met with Ministers to conduct a line-by-line review of spending, to search for first up savings and efficiencies.

 

The Ministry of Fisheries has fronted up here and found some fairly significant savings, some of which will flow through to cost recovery levies for quota owners next year.

 

That was the beauty of the line-by-line process with MFish and the levy system.  When we save a taxpayer a dollar, we also save a fishing business a dollar.

 

In response to these concerns I have also supported the Ministry of Fisheries taking part in a series of collaborative projects to review current government programmes, particularly those identified as imposing high costs on the industry.

 

There will be three collaborative projects initially.

 

The first will look at observer services.  It will address what the observer programme needs to achieve, how it can decrease costs, and how observer services can best be delivered.  All while maintaining the highest standards and absolute independence.

 

The second will look at scientific research services.  It will address the process for how research projects are agreed; how research can be most effectively and efficiently undertaken, and how it can be finalised.  All while maintaining the highest standards and absolute independence.

 

The third will look at the regime governing discarding at sea; addressing how the current regime operates and exploring options for improving practicality and effectiveness.

 

These three projects are in areas fundamental to ensuring the long term sustainability of New Zealand's fish stocks.

 

I need to make it clear that the government is keen to work with you to improve delivery of services, but we all have to maintain objectivity, ensure quality of information, and also ensure public confidence.

 

This is vital and cannot be compromised.

 

In a closely related project, the Ministry of Fisheries is also leading work on an international strategy, involving the industry and other government departments, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

 

Both the Ministry of Fisheries and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are now crystal clear that we believe the industry has achieved a lot on the environmental and sustainability front over the last decade, and it's high time they were recognised for it.

 

The primary aim is to develop a clear plan to maximise the value of seafood exports by decreasing trade barriers, and working out ways to make New Zealand involvement in overseas fisheries easier and more open.

 

We lead the world.

 

Being proud of this is no longer enough, we should get reward for it - particularly given the current economic situation.

 

I am very pleased this collaborative work programme has begun.

 

Working collaboratively and pooling expertise is the best way to get through the slow down and come out the other side in better shape.

 

The Ministry of Fisheries has been working in close collaboration with the Deepwater Group to manage our deep water fisheries.

 

The deepwater partnership is about government and industry working together to make sure quota value and security of access is maintained.

 

It's about making sure our valuable deepwater fisheries are available for future generations, and ensuring we don't compromise our marine environment and the other animals living in it.

 

The agreement has seen us cut costs by reducing duplication of effort and resources in areas like fisheries research and environmental management, and this effort continues.

 

In fact the deepwater industry is working with the Ministry of Fisheries right now on developing a 10 year research plan.

 

This will prioritise research in the deepwater; looking for the best value for money by delivering research in an efficient and effective way without compromising sustainability.

 

The partnership has meant greater sharing of information between government and industry and a better understanding of the practical issues at sea.

 

This is resulting in a better range of options being presented to me as Minister when sustainability decisions need to be made.

 

It made my job easier when faced with sustainability decisions for the 1 April fishing year to know that there was agreement between the fishery managers at MFish and the fishers. 

 

It meant I knew what the best decision to make was and, in most cases, I knew it would be supported.

 

It has also bought greater mutual trust and co-operation.

 

The recent decision by industry to voluntarily respond to a decrease in sea lion pup numbers by reducing fishing effort was an excellent example of this.

 

Industry recognised there was an issue and took positive and responsible action to mitigate it without government intervention.

 

I would like to re-iterate my appreciation to the Deepwater Group and the squid fishing industry for their positive and responsible action.

 

I understand that I am soon to receive the proposed fishery plans for the hoki and orange roughy 3B fisheries and that draft plans for the southern blue whiting, hake and ling fisheries are close too.

 

This is a real milestone in the development of fishery plans and the management of our deepwater fisheries.

 

Getting these plans to this stage is a credit to everyone who has been involved in developing them.

 

I would particularly like to acknowledge the involvement of environmental groups Forest and Bird and ECO in the development of these plans.

 

Bringing their views to the table and getting involved in collaborative projects like this is excellent.

 

In the aquaculture sector industry and government are also working closely together towards solving the many problems delivered by the current aquaculture regime.

 

The Government is strongly supportive of aquaculture and we want to do all we can to help the industry achieve its billion dollar goal.

 

There is work underway in government right now that we're confident will help the aquaculture sector grow and develop.

 

We have introduced legislation to Parliament that will simplify and streamline the Resource Management Act - we're confident this will bring benefits to the aquaculture planning process.

 

Work has also started on a second phase of RMA reform that will look at more complex issues such as resource allocation, including consideration of aquaculture.

 

Central government agencies, including the Ministry of Fisheries, have been working with local government and aquaculture industry leaders in the Aquaculture Forum, looking at changes we can make that will seriously improve the aquaculture regime feeding into the RMA phase two review.

 

We will act quickly to follow through on final decisions and will incorporate changes as part of the reforms of the RMA.

 

I would like to acknowledge and thank the aquaculture sector for the positive and constructive approach they have bought to solving the problems in aquaculture management.

 

I was very pleased yesterday to be at the formal signing of the aquaculture deed of settlement, which meets the Crown's pre-commencement space obligations for the entire South Island and the Coromandel and Firth of Thames.

 

It was a personal delight to see my name on the deed and it motivates me to do more.

 

The Ministry of Fisheries has also been holding hui with iwi and hapu around the country on the development of a strategy for the Crown to better meet its obligations under the Fisheries Deed of Settlement.

 

These settlement obligations cover a wide range of areas, providing input and participation in fisheries management, non-commercial customary fishing, commercial fishing, aquaculture and foreshore and seabed agreements.

 

Many of the obligations do not currently sit well together and there is no overarching strategy to bring them together.

 

A high profile example is the tensions between inshore commercial fishing, including Mäori owned fishing operations and the establishment of mätaitai reserves

 

I've appealed to Maori, who sit on all sides of the table - customary, recreational, commercial, and as people concerned with the environment - to help me work it out.

 

This sort of engagement is what I want to see: effective collaboration and efficient engagement.

 

There are some areas of government operations where engagement needs to be streamlined.

 

Engagement has often been disproportionate to outcomes.

 

I want to see less, but more effective consultation.

 

I know that when MFish turn up to a meeting, you have to too.

 

It costs time and money, and there ought to be an outcome.

 

I'm sure you'll welcome this approach.

 

As the Prime Minister outlined to you yesterday, environmental and fisheries sustainability is going to increase in prominence and value over the coming years.

 

We know our fisheries are well managed and sustainable.

 

I want to personally thank you for all you've done in recent years - particularly around seabird and mammal capture avoidance.

 

 

Increasingly, it is not enough to know it.

 

We have to prove our food safety standards, traceability and sustainability to consumers, both internationally and here at home.

 

It is great news that in addition to hoki receiving the blue tick of sustainability, Marine Stewardship Council certification processes are underway for hake, ling, albacore tuna and Challenger scallops.

 

This means around a third of New Zealand's landed catch will be certified as sustainable or will be undergoing the certification process.

 

The government is right behind you in seeking this sort of independent certification of sustainability.

 

I am pleased the government was able to provide grants to help with the costs of assessment, and we will continue to do this.

 

There are some other areas where work will soon be starting that I would like your input and participation in.

 

The Government is strongly focused on reducing costs on all tax payers, including the seafood industry.

 

We are looking for greater efficiency and effectiveness from the entire public service and from the Ministry of Fisheries.

 

Further details will be made available soon as part of the budget process but suffice to say, MFish, along with other departments will need to do more with less.

 

As you are probably aware the Ministry of Fisheries is currently going through a restructure and realignment process.

 

This process is seeking to make sure the Ministry is in the best shape possible to deliver on government priorities and the services it needs to deliver now and in years to come.

 

This realignment, combined with the joint Ministry and industry review projects, along with the good work on fisheries 2030, should see the Ministry well placed for the future.

 

I am aware that with over $30 million in cost recovery levies every year this is an area that we need to get right.

 

I am also aware that officials and industry leaders have not been able to agree on important aspects of a new approach.

 

I want to get this process moving again and am looking to industry leaders to find a constructive way to engage and work through these issues.

 

There is a lot going on at the moment and there are real opportunities to work together and achieve results that will improve the management of our fisheries and the economic health of your industry.

 

I am confident that we can build on the base that our careful management and quota system provides us, and ensure the sustainability of our fisheries and the success of your industry for years to come.

 

Thank you for your invitation today; it is a pleasure to be able to address your conference for the first time as Minister of Fisheries.

 

I would like to wish you every success in your business for the coming months.