ACT welcomes more time for fishers to have their say

ACT is welcoming an extension of submissions on the Fisheries Amendment Bill.

“Submissions have now been extended to 6 May after I wrote to the Primary Production Committee asking for more time,” says ACT Environment spokesperson Cameron Luxton.

“This Bill has implications for New Zealand’s way of life. I’ve heard loud and clear from recreational fishers and coastal communities that the original timeframe didn’t give them a fair chance to get the word out and have all voices heard on such a dense bill.

“Too often these processes are dominated by Wellington-connected interest groups while ordinary people that don’t follow select committee processes don’t find out until it’s too late.

“The rules that govern fishing should be shaped by people who have skin in the game, and that includes anyone who enjoys getting out on the water to catch their dinner. I hope all fishers, commercial and recreational, will engage and push for a better Bill.”