Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement (Regional Agreements) Amendment Bill
First Reading
NATHAN GUY (National—Ōtaki) : The National Government is very supportive of the aquaculture industry, and indeed it is with a sense of privilege that I rise this evening to speak on the first reading of the Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement (Regional Agreements) Amendment Bill. We believe that the aquaculture industry has the potential to provide large, long-term economic gains. What I mean by that is that there will be sustainability for the coastline, but also the creation of more jobs. We are investing $16 million a year in scientific research into the aquaculture industry, which is very, very important.
Debate interrupted.