Significant step forward for aquaculture

A significant step forward for aquaculture

The Environment Committee's report back on the Planning and Natural Environment Bills marks an important milestone for aquaculture and reflects the value of the sector's engagement throughout the reform process.

Several key recommendations align with points raised by Aquaculture New Zealand, Coromandel Marine Farmers and Marine Farmers Association and represent positive progress for the industry:

✅ Aquaculture is now explicitly included in the core goals of the legislation, alongside other food and fibre production sectors. This is an important recognition of aquaculture's contribution to New Zealand and helps ensure it is considered throughout the planning framework, from national policy through to regional plans.

✅ Controlled activity status has been reinstated, providing greater investment certainty and supporting confidence for future growth and development.

✅ Aquaculture Settlement Areas will be recorded in regional plans, ensuring iwi settlement obligations remain visible and recognised within the planning system.

✅ The current permitting framework remains in place, while further work is undertaken on future allocation models.

✅ The transition period has been extended to 39 months, allowing more time to prepare for the implementation of key planning instruments.

These outcomes are encouraging and provide a stronger platform for aquaculture as the new planning system takes shape. However, the next phase will be critical. The real opportunity now lies in ensuring aquaculture is prioritised within the first tranche of national policy direction.

Clear national direction will be essential to translating the intent of the legislation into practical outcomes that support sustainable growth, investment certainty, regional prosperity, and New Zealand's ambition to grow aquaculture.

This is not the finish line, but it is an important step forward for aquaculture.

Further information can be found in the Select Committee report and the Government's announcement.