Hi Paul

The meeting in question was prior to the 2014 election, so it was long before the Kermadec sanctuary had been proposed.

I don’t recall compensation being discussed specifically at that meeting, but if it was there were certainly no objections raised at the time. Our policy regarding the inshore fishery was still in formulation stage at that time; currently it is to exclude bulk harvest commercial fishing from a defined inshore zone, out to the 12-mile limit as a default, but determined regionally through consultation with all stakeholders. In some places a 3-mile limit might be more appropriate, or a depth line as is favoured by LegaSea.

As I understand it, LegaSea’s current position on compensation is a recent decision, but I have not discussed it with them directly.

Since that time our policy has been refined to take account of the realities of paua, crayfish, and scallops, and to allow for some non-bulk method, non-export commercial harvest from the inshore, for the purposes of supplying the local trade only.

The growth of aquaculture will require further refinement of our recreational-only inshore policy and we are currently working on that matter.

Compensation is a non-negotiable position for New Zealand First. We have created commercial quota access to the fishery as a tradeable property right, and that has value whether it is being utilised or not. New Zealand First will never countenance the confiscation of property without compensation.

Whether the tradeable property right should have been created or not, is another matter entirely.

I believe LegaSea supports the current Government’s marine parks and reserves approach, while the Fishing & Outdoors Newspaper prefers New Zealand First’s 12-mile policy. We agree with you that this is the better way to build abundance for all fishers.

I hope and trust this clarifies our position for you. If I may be of further assistance, or if you have information or suggestions that you feel may be of value, please do feel free to contact me directly. Numerous stakeholders do continue to bring new ideas and perspectives to our attention.

Best regards

Richard

Richard Prosser MP

New Zealand First List

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Private Bag 18 888 Wellington 6011

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