The general manager of Aotearoa’s largest Māori-owned seafood company says the rejection of Ngai Tahu’s plan for an open ocean salmon farm in Fouveaux Strait flies in the face of government plans to grow the aquaculture industry.
An independent panel appointed b the Environment Protection Agency refused consents for the 2,500 hectare Hauanui farm because of what it says would be the impact on marine mammals, sea birds and seabed fauna around Rakiura-Stewart Island.
Moana NZ chief executive, Steve Tarrant, says the project would deliver huge financial and employment benefits to the far south.
He says Ngai Tahu would not want to harm the environment or marine animals.
0:15When we have a very well thought-out, very clear plan from one of our shareholders – that then is pushed back on. You know, that’s one of those clarity and certainties we’d like to from government to understand – do they support aquaculture or don’t they?
Steve Tarrant says Ngai Tahu is now looking at its options, and he hopes they can formulate a new proposal.
