12 September 2005

Media Release

For Immediate Release

Ward’s comments “shameful”, says Hoki Industry

Chief Executive Officer of the Hoki Fishery Management Company Richard Cade says he is ‘aghast’ at the comments made last week by Green Party MP Mike Ward and backed up by Labour MP Judith Tizard that is much better for people to be doing art on the dole, “than gutting hoki".

“The seafood industry is New Zealand’s fourth largest export earner, employing 26,000 people, and 15-20 percent of these exports are made up of Hoki. This comment is insulting to a group of professional, committed and dedicated workers. To suggest that living off the state is a better alternative is shameful.”

Chairman of the Seafood Industry Council Dave Sharp adds, “New Zealand’s seafood industry earns our country in excess of $1.3 billion dollars a year and that is made possible through the skill and dedication of hard working New Zealanders. New Zealanders who are proud to be part of our industry and proud of their personal contribution to creating wealth for their country.”

To suggest that to choose to not work is more desirable than being a skilled and valuable worker is disgraceful.”

ENDS

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