11 Sep 2026
1 month ago
436 views
A $4.7 million upgrade to Taupō's Broadlands Road Resource Recovery Centre, funded equally by the Waste Minimisation Fund and Taupō District Council, will enhance waste sorting and divert at least 8,000 tonnes of waste from landfill annually. The upgrade will enable processing of organic, construction, demolition, and recyclable materials, reducing landfill emissions and promoting sustainability. This investment supports waste reduction goals, lowers costs for residents and businesses, and creates economic opportunities through waste levy savings and material reuse.
30 Jun 2026
3 months ago
875 views
New Zealand is increasing funding and support to Pacific nations to enhance innovation, combat illegal fishing, and improve returns from tuna fisheries through the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Pacific Islands Tuna Ventures programme (PITVP). The PITVP focuses on value-added opportunities, turning tuna by-products into high-value goods, thereby helping coastal communities benefit more fairly from their resources. Hosting the Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting for the first time in 18 years, New Zealand emphasizes regional cooperation to ensure sustainable fisheries management and food security.
24 Jun 2026
4 months ago
839 views
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced a public consultation on proposed changes to catch limits and sustainability measures for 22 fish stocks, emphasizing the use of scientific data and stakeholder input to ensure sustainable fishing practices. Significant catch reductions are proposed for tarakihi fisheries due to declining stock influenced by warming waters, while catch increases are suggested for snapper and trevally in certain areas where populations are thriving. The review also includes adjustments to deemed value rates for 11 fish stocks, with decisions to be finalized before the 2026 fishing year, and submissions open until July 24, 2026.
24 Jun 2026
4 months ago
814 views
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is seeking public feedback on proposed catch limit and sustainability changes for 22 fish stocks, including significant reductions for New Zealand’s tarakihi fisheries due to declining stock levels affected by warming waters. While tarakihi stocks continue to decline despite previous catch reductions, catch limits for snapper and trevally are proposed to increase in certain areas reflecting their growing abundance. The review also considers adjustments to deemed value rates for 11 fish stocks, with submissions open until July 24, 2026, and final decisions expected before the 2026 fishing year begins.
10 Jun 2026
4 months ago
914 views
The New Zealand Government is enhancing agricultural land use flexibility to promote innovation, sustainable productivity, and a reduced environmental footprint, supporting over 257,000 workers and contributing $52 billion in exports. It is investing in multi-million-dollar projects to boost beef, sheep, and dairy production with improved environmental outcomes, including reducing nitrogen leaching and increasing pasture utilization and feed efficiency. These initiatives aim to back farmers with regulatory reforms, science, and technology to ensure profitable, sustainable growth that benefits regional economies and rural communities.
01 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1111 views
The New Zealand Government is redirecting science funding towards areas with the greatest national impact, emphasizing advanced technology to boost productivity and international competitiveness. The Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council identifies four priority areas: primary industries and bioeconomy, technology for prosperity, environmental sustainability, and healthy people. By reallocating $122 million annually over three years, the Government aims to build a future-ready science workforce and strengthen the country’s research system through a carefully managed funding reset.
26 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1272 views
Catch limits for spiny rock lobster have been reduced in Gisborne (CRA 3) due to ongoing pressure and cyclone impacts, with a 49-tonne reduction in commercial catch and efforts to spread fishing activity for stock recovery. Conversely, the Otago fishery (CRA 7) shows positive signs, prompting a 21.9-tonne increase in commercial catch limits to support the local economy. The review also confirmed current catch settings for Southern blue whiting remain appropriate, with changes effective from April 1, 2026, following consultation with stakeholders.
19 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1164 views
The proposal to allow commercial fishers in northern North Island to retain and sell certain reef fish caught as bycatch will not proceed, according to Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones. After considering over 22,000 public submissions and sustainability concerns, the historic ban protecting these species since 1993 will remain. The decision is part of a broader consultation on commercial fishing regulations, with further announcements forthcoming.
28 Jan 2026
8 months ago
1352 views
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is considering new restrictions and public education measures to address concerns about marine life depletion in rockpools around Whangaparāoa Peninsula and other areas. Fishery Officers are actively patrolling beaches to enforce current rules, with recent inspections revealing significant non-compliance, prompting a commitment to hold offenders accountable. Alongside potential rule changes, community engagement and education are emphasized to support the protection and sustainability of marine ecosystems for future generations.
15 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1434 views
The Government is seeking feedback on proposed changes to rock lobster fisheries in New Zealand’s CRA 3 and CRA 7 regions as part of its fisheries sustainability review. CRA 7 is healthy and may support increased commercial harvest, while CRA 3 is under pressure, prompting recent catch reductions and further recovery proposals. These proposals were developed with input from various fishing sectors, and consultation on Southern blue whiting stocks will begin soon, with submission details available on MPI’s website.
09 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1110 views
A recent report shows that 87.2% of New Zealand’s 149 scientifically evaluated fish stocks are sustainable, with plans to restore the 19 stocks needing support. The country’s fisheries are recognized globally for sustainability, supported by a quota management system and ongoing reforms to enhance responsive fisheries management. The seafood sector employs around 9,000 people and generates approximately $1.5 billion in exports annually, contributing significantly to New Zealand’s economy and food supply.
21 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1307 views
A Crown facilitator will assist Waitaki District Council in amending and resubmitting its water service delivery plan under the Local Water Done Well legislation, as requested by the Secretary for Local Government. The focus is on including an assessment of the condition, lifespan, and value of the district's water networks to ensure fair and transparent costs for infrastructure upgrades. The Council must conduct an asset condition assessment and update its plan by June 30, 2026, with the appointment of a Crown facilitator expected by mid-November to provide expertise and tools for this process.
16 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1017 views
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones attended the graduation of 10 new Fishery Officers, emphasizing the importance of their work in ensuring fishers comply with regulations and protect fish stocks. The graduates unexpectedly encountered real poachers during a training exercise, highlighting the significance of their role in enforcing regulations. The Fishery Officers play a crucial role in maintaining sustainable fisheries, with over 11,000 Kiwis employed in the seafood sector and hundreds of thousands engaging in recreational fishing activities.
29 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1264 views
Catch limits for Chatham Rise and southern New Zealand orange roughy will be significantly reduced to promote sustainability, alongside other changes in catch limits for various fish stocks as part of a regular review process. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones emphasizes the need for these reductions based on scientific evidence indicating pressure on the orange roughy fishery. The adjustments aim to allow stocks to recover, with additional measures planned to protect spawning areas and ensure future decision-making is well-informed.
11 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1293 views
The Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards recognized projects like re-seeding juvenile pāua and driving mussel farming innovation. Professor Kura Paul-Burke of the University of Waikato was celebrated for championing healthy oceans through community-based restoration efforts. Other winners included individuals and organizations contributing to sustainable practices and innovation in the seafood sector.