On 19 May I initiated an independent review into circumstances surrounding specific MPI compliance operations. I have now approved the Terms of Reference which will inform this review, and am making these available to the public.
The credibility of MPI is of utmost importance to its ability to successfully discharge its role as the regulator of fisheries in New Zealand. Each year MPI prosecutes in excess of 300 cases in the fisheries sector and issues more than 3,000 infringements.
An independent Queen's Counsel, Michael Heron, has been commissioned to conduct the review.
A copy of the Terms of Reference is attached to this announcement.
Martyn Dunne, Director-General, Ministry for Primary Industries