May 16, 2007

New Zealand's government blamed for failed aquaculture reforms

The New Zealand government's announcement that its aquaculture laws would have to be rewritten after failing the environment court drew sharp criticism from opposition parties.

The Labour government needs to admit they mishandled the 2005 aquaculture reforms, said rival party National's Environment spokesman, Nick Smith.

Smith said it is appalling that the laws have to be rewritten before a single new marine farm has been approved.

Aquaculture is an exciting export industry that has stalled under Labour's moratorium and botched law reforms, he declared.

The Labour government went ahead with its 2005 reforms against the advice of the industry and other political parties then.

Smith said Labour has failed in its management of the Resource Management Act and New Zealanders are paying the price with lost opportunities.