32149 (2025). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister of Conservation

32149 (2025). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister of Conservation: Does the Minister think it’s worth weakening the protections in the Hauraki Gulf established through a multi-stakeholder working group over a decade for less than $14k/year of revenue from ring-net fishers and if so, what sort of cost/benefit analysis if any did he rely on to back up this decision?

Hon Tama Potaka: Ring net fishing will be provided for in only two of the 12 HPAs – representing 6% of the area proposed as HPAs, or 3% of the total area protected under this Bill. The provision will mean that fishers can continue to supply local communities with low-cost fish. Due to the limited nature of the provision, it is expected that it will have little impact on the environment beyond the target species. This provision balances the needs of communities, the environment and the economy.