Fishing ventures must benefit N.Z. — Labour

Press, 23 October 1981, Page 3

Fishing ventures must benefit N.Z. — Labour

PA Nelson Fishing joint ventures not in New Zealand’s best interests will have to “comply or get out” if a Labour government is elected. Labour would review all joint ventures and renegotiate those not benefiting the country, the party’s Shadow Under-Secretary of Fishing. Mr R. K. Maxwell, and its Nelson candidate, Mr Phillip Woollaston, announced yesterday. “Any renegotiation will be done in full consultation with the fishing industry in New Zealand and the results will be made public,” said Mr Woollaston, a member of the Labour Party’s primary producer’s committee.

“Although the joint, venture licences are not due for renewal until April next year they are being considered already.” Mr Woollaston. said labour was concerned that cam-

paigning by companies for renewal of licences was being done in secret and that the proposals received and their relative benefits to New Zealand were not being diclosed.

“There is every indication that decisions made behind closed doors are to be rushed through before the General Election,” he said. “There is little’to suggest that those decisions will be in the best interests of the New Zealand fishing industry. “On becoming the government, Labour will review any renewed joint venture licences to ensure that they bring the maximum benefit to this country. “In particular we will want to be sure that they do not interfere with the orderly marketing overseas of New Zealand-caught. species, and that they do not hinder the full development of our own fish-catching and fish-pro : cessing industries.”