Source: Radio New Zealand
Winston Peters said on social media the feedback was about the proposed catch size limit changes for commercial companies. RNZ / Mark Papalii
The coalition has ditched a contentious aspect of fisheries legislation after a backlash from recreational fishers.
The Prime Minister stepped in and spoke with Minister in charge Shane Jones, and said he agreed to take out the sections of the Fisheries Amendment Bill that removes the minimum size limits.
Winston Peters also took to social media, saying New Zealand First agreed to remove the contentious clause, after feedback about the proposed catch size limit changes for commercial companies, and how that would affect a large number of ordinary Kiwis.
The legislation is currently before Parliament and Peters said the party is now looking to review the issue of catch size limit during the select committee process.
“We believe in democracy, and the most important part of democracy is listening to the people. We are doing that,” said Peters.
Luxon said on social media he shared Kiwis’ concerns on the impacts to juvenile fish stocks.
“I know Kiwis still have some concerns, which is why we want the fishing community to submit to the Select Committee process on this Bill,” wrote Luxon.
The change comes following comments by Jones – also deputy leader of New Zealand First – saying on Monday critics of his Fisheries Amendment Bill were “a range of noisy voices”.
Peters said on Wednesday he spoke with Jones on the matter and “we decided to review this part of the legislation and use the select committee to remove this clause”.
The bill has been welcomed by the commercial sector but condemned by recreational fishing groups.
The current recreational size limit for snapper is between 25cm and 30cm depending on location, while the commercial size limit is 25cm.
Minimum size limits are imposed to ensure fish can reach sexual maturity before being caught.
Jones argued on Monday that allowing the commercial sector to land and sell undersize fish would prevent wastage.
Currently commercial fishers must dump undersize fish dead or alive, and it doesn’t count against their quota.
“The new provision is that if you catch them, you pay for them,” Jones said.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/government-to-remove-contentious-clause-in-fisheries-amendment-bill-after-backlash/