trawling review could cost jobs
NZ First leader Winston Peters has criticized the National Party's proposed oceans policy, which includes a review of bottom trawling. Peters argues the policy could lead to job losses and increased fish prices for consumers.
Why it matters
The debate highlights the tension between environmental protection policies and the economic interests of the commercial fishing industry in New Zealand.
Winston Peters speaks to a packed hall in Invercargill on Saturday. Photo / Derek Cheng
NZ First leader Winston Peters said the National Party didn’t understand the importance of the commercial fishing industry but said he was nonetheless open to examining the party’s review of bottom trawling.
“We know far more about the fishing industry than National Party does,” Peters said.
On Saturday, National leader Christopher Luxon announced an oceans policy that would strengthen protection for the Hauraki Gulf and review bottom trawling. The Opportunity Party has said immediately banning inshore bottom trawling and phasing out the practice elsewhere is a bottom line.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in