Key details of the proposal are:
- All existing marine farming consents will have their consent expiry date moved 25 years out from the current expiry date. No farms will be excluded.
- This extension will be automatic and will not require any application.
- Only the expiry date of each consent will change, with no changes to or reconsideration of consent conditions.
WWF-New Zealand does not support this proposal because:
- There is a lack of public engagement and due process
- The case for change is not well made
- There is an egregious lack of regard for environmental impact inherent in this proposal
- There is reputational risk and other risk in this proposal