Turia Tariana: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Turia Tariana: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:640;Page:10161] 
11.  
TARIANA TURIA (Co-Leader—Maori Party) 
 to the  
Minister of Local Government 
: What action if any is his department taking to ensure cooperation between local councils and the aquaculture industry? 
Hon JIM ANDERTON (Minister of Agriculture) 
 on behalf of the 
 Minister of Local Government 
: I am a member of the aquaculture Ministers group and am aware that officials from the central government Aquaculture Implementation Team are running an extensive programme of engagement with local government and Aquaculture New Zealand to collaboratively develop the planning tools required for the creation of aquaculture management areas which include a $2 million contestable fund to assist local government in aquacultural planning. 
Tariana Turia 
: What responsibility should the Whangarei District Council take for having approved a state-of-the-art bio-septic tank system which malfunctioned and placed an oyster farm at Parua Bay on the Whangarei Harbour at risk from pollution? 
Hon JIM ANDERTON 
: That responsibility rests entirely with the regional council in Whangarei. I am advised that the regional council is currently monitoring the issue. Results from samples taken 2 weeks ago were within standards. The engineers and drainlayers associated with the development checked the design and installation. Some improvement works were required and have been completed. If further work is required it will be undertaken. 
Tariana Turia 
: Does the Minister agree with Aquaculture New Zealand that the admission by the Whangarei District Council spokesperson that there is no routine monitoring to make sure septic systems are working is unacceptable; if so what actions will he be taking to ensure that councils take responsibility for the risks that subdivisions pose to water quality human health and the $30 million a year aquaculture industry? 
Hon JIM ANDERTON 
: Just a matter of correction: it is not a $30 million a year industry; it is a $300 million a year industry. I would not want to undersell aquaculture! [ 
Interruption 
] Oh really! The cross-Government Aquaculture Implementation Team is working with the aquaculture industry to promote discussions with local councils about the importance of maintaining water quality standards for the aquaculture industry. The industry has of course identified water quality as a major issue into the future and understands the need to work closely with local councils on land-use planning. 
Tariana Turia 
: I thank the Minister for the correction but I was talking about Whangarei. What response will he make to iwi and Maori organisations in the marine-farming industry that have consistently raised concerns about the role of regional councils in the allocation of aquaculture space? 
Hon JIM ANDERTON 
: I would think that Maori organisations would be very pleased with the fact that the Government has funded the discussions about and development of aquaculture at a regional level to the tune of $2 million in direct funding and another $1 million to develop particular projects. The member might be pleased also to celebrate the fact that aquacultural areas have developed by 48 percent over the last 5 years which is the fastest rate of aquaculture development in New Zealand’s history. 
Phil Heatley 
: I seek leave to table a document  
No New Aquaculture Space Created by Regional Councils Throughout New Zealand in Three Years 
. 
Document not tabled.