OIA 18-E-0580
5 October 2018
Graham Carter
P.O. Box 10580
Te Rapa
Hamilton 3240
Dear Graham
Thank you for your Official Information Act request to the Department of
Conservation, dated 10 September 2018. Y ou requested the following:
I have had information to the effect that Tuwharetoa intend to farm trout in either
Lake Taupo and Lake Rotoaira in the near future. Can you please advise if this is
correct and in what manner they intend to do this? Can you please advise how DoC
is involved?
Y our questions and our responses are listed below:
1. Can you please advise if this is correct and in what manner they intend to do
this?
The department cannot speak to the intent of Ngati Tuwharetoa. DOC is unaware of
any attempts to farm trout.
2. Can you please advise how DoC is involved?
Trout farming is currently illegal. The department is responsible for compliance
functions relating to enforcing the Conservation Act 1987.
The restrictions on the importation and commercial sale of trout and trout products are
implemented through:
• Part 5B of the Conservation Act 1987, in particular - section 26ZQ, which
prohibits the sale (including barter or offering for sale) of wild trout caught in
New Zealand, and
• Section 26ZI (4), which bans the commercial farming of trout.
• Section 301(a) of the Fisheries Act 1996, which does not allow the making of
regulations allowing licensing of fish farms for the rearing and breeding of
trout for sale.
• A 22 November 2012 Gazette notice made under the Freshwater Fish Farming
Regulations 1983 lists those species that may be farmed, and the list does not
include trout.
docCM 5589231
• A 2018 Customs Import Prohibition (Trout) Order which prohibits the
importation of trout (alive or dead) and trout products, unless in quantities
under 10 kilograms not intended for sale, except with the consent of the
Minister of Conservation and subject to such conditions as may be imposed
that are not inconsistent with the import prohibition.
Nāku noa, nā
Helen Neale
Director Operations (Acting)
Central North Island Region
Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai
Taupo Office
PO Box 528, Taupo 3351
www.doc.govt.nz
docCM5589231