The first round of public consultation closed on 11 April 2025. Despite 95% of submissions received by Fisheries NZ opposing the proposed ‘reforms’, Cabinet has agreed to proceed with the changes. Policy advisors are now drafting an Amendment Bill, which is expected to go before a Select Committee by December 2025. We will only get to have a say at the Select Committee stage. Our reality is that the proposed changes could be locked into legislation by the end of 2026.