Ethnic poaching a threat
“It is shocking to see one ethnic group so highly overrepresented in these statistics,†said Mr Paraone.
Mr Paraone’s comments follow answers to written questions from the Ministry of Fisheries that show in cases where ethnicity of offenders were recorded, 33% of persons apprehended since 2001 for poaching or black market fisheries offences were of Asian ethnicity, despite Asians representing only 9% of New Zealand’s population.
“What these figures show is there is a clear need for better education of immigrants on Kiwi values, and they must learn that, in New Zealand, we do not plunder our fisheries resources.
“The right and ability to catch a feed is at the heart of the Kiwi ethos. Migrants must be made aware that New Zealanders look upon their oceans and waterways as precious resources, which we are all responsible to protect so future generations can enjoy them as we do today,†said Mr Paraone.
Mr Paraone’s comments follow answers to written questions from the Ministry of Fisheries that show in cases where ethnicity of offenders were recorded, 33% of persons apprehended since 2001 for poaching or black market fisheries offences were of Asian ethnicity, despite Asians representing only 9% of New Zealand’s population.
“What these figures show is there is a clear need for better education of immigrants on Kiwi values, and they must learn that, in New Zealand, we do not plunder our fisheries resources.
“The right and ability to catch a feed is at the heart of the Kiwi ethos. Migrants must be made aware that New Zealanders look upon their oceans and waterways as precious resources, which we are all responsible to protect so future generations can enjoy them as we do today,†said Mr Paraone.