| Recreational
Fishers Get "Hotline" to Government
David
Benson-Pope, Minister of Fisheries
Media
Release
4
July 2005
A new group made up of recreational
fishing experts will have a direct line to government, says Fisheries
Minister David Benson-Pope.
The group, which has been
drawn from around the country, will help advise the Minister as
progress is made on a number of strategic issues facing the recreational
fishing sector. These include consideration of how the sector's
long-term interests are best managed; issues concerning the representation
of recreational fishing sector; and the development of capacity
to participate more fully in fisheries management.
"The establishment of the
Recreational Fishing Ministerial Advisory Committee recognises the
importance of recreational fishing to New Zealanders," says Mr Benson-Pope.
"This will be a 'hotline' for getting rec fishers views.
"The government believes
recreational fishers must be able to participate in decisions about
the management of New Zealand's fisheries. This group, along with
the regional recreational fishing forums being established by the
Ministry of Fisheries, will ensure that the interests of recreational
fishers are well represented."
(Biographical
information is attached.)
"I was very pleased with
the large number and high calibre of applications for membership
of the committee," Mr Benson-Pope said. "The government will
be well advised by a group with such a depth of knowledge and experience.
These people will bring a wealth of skills and experience to the
table and I look forward to working closely with them."
Mr Benson-Pope will be speaking
at the New Zealand Recreational Fishing Council Conference on Friday
in Wellington.
Contact:
Pete Coleman (Press Secretary)
(04) 471 9685 or 021 811 003
Email:
pete.coleman@parliament.govt.nz
The
Recreational Fishing Ministerial Advisory Committee:
Peter Ellery:
Peter Ellery has been involved
in recreational marine fishery representation since 1992.
He has been the Vice President of the Marine Recreation and Fishers
Association for Bay of Plenty and Waikato, and has been involved
with the New Zealand Recreational Fishing Council (NZRFC), and the
National Rock Lobster Management Group. Peter is currently
involved with Maketu Taiapure in local fisheries management and
environmental repair of the Kaituna River wetlands. He lives
in Rotorua.
Sheryl Hart:
Sheryl Hart is secretary
and life member of the Raglan Sport Fishing Club and secretary of
the Kawhia/Raglan Radio User Group. She is a regional representative
for the NZRFC and the New Zealand Big Game Fishing Council and is
involved with local working groups and recreational fisheries research.
She lives in Raglan.
Max Hetherington:
Max Hetherington is the Secretary,
Manager and Financial Controller of the NZRFC, the President and
Treasurer of Wellington Recreational Marine Fishers Association,
and recreational representative on the National Rock Lobster Management
Group. He is a life member of the New Zealand Underwater
Association, Wellington Underwater Club, and NZRFC. He lives in
Wellington.
Lorraine Hill:
Lorraine Hill has a long
association with the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club and is a member
of the Waikare Inlet Taiapure Management Committee. She is
the director of a hotel company, and Councillor on the Northland
Regional Council. Lorraine is involved with a number community
groups and was awarded a QSM in 1995 for services to local government
and tourism. She lives in Russell.
Bob Meikle:
Bob Meikle is the President
of Akaroa Harbour Recreational Fishing Club, a member of Pohatu
Marine Reserve Management Committee, and is involved with a number
of local organisations dealing with Akaroa Harbour issues such as
pollution. He is based in Christchurch.
Geoffrey Rowling:
Geoff Rowling is the vice
president of the NZRFC and Chairman of the Challenger Scallop and
Finfish Recreational Advisory Groups. Geoff is involved both
locally and nationally with fishing groups and is keen on seeking
innovative solutions to the issues facing recreational fishing.
He lives near Motueka.
Kim Walshe:
Kim Walshe has more than 10 years experience working with recreational
fishing groups (NZRFC and Option 4) and the Ministry of Fisheries
on a range of issues. A former scientist and senior manager
for the Ministry, he has completed a number of recreational fishing
research contracts for the Ministry and continues to do research.
He is completing a PhD, part of which is on marine recreational
fisheries, and is a keen scuba diver and instructor. He lives in Auckland.
|
