Tighter control on Foreign-owned ships
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| Photo [Istock] |
The government is giving itself tighter control of foreign-owned commercial fishing ships operating in New Zealand waters.
Under a bill that has passed its first reading in parliament, they must be New Zealand-flagged from May 2016.
In the meantime there will be a new registration and suspension regime, and stronger powers for inspectors.
The legislation is the result of a ministerial inquiry that followed numerous complaints from mainly Asian crew members about physical abuse, very low pay and appalling on board conditions.
When the ships sail under New Zealand flags they will be subject to the full range of health, safety and employment laws.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy says the bill will help maintain New Zealand's reputation around the world.
"We are entering a new era for the operation of fishing vessels in New Zealand waters," he said.
"This bill sends a message internationally that New Zealand has a strong, reliable and effective fisheries management regime."
The Fisheries (Foreign Charter Vessels and Other Matters) Bill passed its first reading on a unanimous vote on Thursday evening.
It has been sent to a select committee for public submissions.
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