National promises stronger marine protection if re-elected, but critics question why it has waited and NZ First warns of consequences for fishing communities.
National promises stronger marine protection if re-elected, but critics question why it has waited and NZ First warns of consequences for fishing communities.
By Webfit News
National’s election pledge to tighten fishing restrictions has drawn criticism from both its coalition partner and opposition parties, exposing divisions over how to protect the Hauraki Gulf while supporting the seafood industry.
The package, announced on Saturday, 10 October, includes a new marine reserve off Waiheke Island, an expansion of Goat Island’s reserve and a ban on commercial fishing in the Gulf’s High Protection Areas.
National says its approach would support healthier fisheries while balancing recreational fishing, commercial livelihoods and conservation.
According to RNZ’s reporting, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters described the policy as “desperate” and “unresearched”, questioning whether National had adequately considered the effects on fishing workers and seafood prices.
Peters did not give a firm commitment on how his party would handle the proposals in future coalition negotiations.
His criticism puts the economic consequences at the centre of the dispute. Claims that restrictions would increase prices remain warnings from NZ First, rather than an established outcome of the policy.
Alongside the reserve changes, National would review designated trawl corridors in the Hauraki Gulf, prevent commercial marlin sales and rule out a recreational fishing licence.
The party also proposes a $20 million Fish Tech Innovation Fund, more honorary fisheries officers and tougher penalties for exceeding catch limits.
Its wider ocean policy aims to increase protected areas within New Zealand’s exclusive economic zone from 32 percent to 50 percent by 2040.
National’s fisheries spokesperson Todd McClay says sustainable fish stocks matter both to coastal communities earning a living from seafood and consumers buying it.
The controversy has a history within the current government’s own decisions.
In February, National conservation spokesperson Tama Potaka acknowledged widespread concern about the coalition’s decision to permit commercial fishing in two of the Hauraki Gulf’s 12 High Protection Areas.
He said National would campaign to remove the fishing permissions and review controversial bottom-trawling corridors.
The latest announcement therefore develops a position National had already signalled earlier this year, while renewing questions about why the changes depend on another election victory.
RNZ reported that Forest & Bird questioned why National had not implemented stronger protections during this term.
Labour and the Greens challenged the party’s credibility, pointing to commercial fishing exemptions approved under the coalition government.
The Opportunity Party welcomed the direction of the policy but argued that stronger measures were needed, including an immediate end to bottom trawling in inshore areas.
The criticism centres on timing and trust as much as the proposals themselves: opponents argue National is campaigning to reverse decisions it could have avoided.
For Auckland communities, the debate concerns waters used for fishing, boating and gathering kaimoana. National has promised tighter restrictions if returned to government. Whether those promises survive negotiations with future coalition partners remains unresolved.
Sources: National Party policy statements and RNZ reporting.
