3 Information requirements

Summary of issues

Applicants will need to provide certain information to receive an allocation of emission units. Clause 4 of the Draft Fishing Allocation Plan says that the following information must be supplied on the application form:

  • the eligible person’s name as it appeared on 24 September 2009 in the quota register
  • the eligible person’s quota identification number
  • the eligible person’s unit holding account number in the New Zealand Emission Unit Register (NZEUR)
  • any other evidence necessary to establish that the applicant is eligible to receive an allocation of NZUs under the Fishing Allocation Plan
  • a signed declaration stating that all the information the applicant has provided is true and correct to the best of their knowledge and belief, that they have received notification from the Registrar that the eligible person’s unit holding account is open, and that if the declaration is signed by a person other than the eligible person, that they are authorised to make the declaration and sign on behalf of the eligible person.

Analysis

Out of 16 responses to these questions, 12 submitters thought there would be little difficulty providing this information and that the costs associated with providing the information would be low. The Seafood Industry Council provided a caveat around their response saying that they could not assess the cost or difficulty of providing supporting evidence in relation to proving a succession to a quota owner. One respondent didn’t know whether it would be difficult or costly to provide the information and three responses were inconclusive.

Officials have identified an additional issue around the provision of information when applying for an allocation of NZUs. The Government cannot require an eligible person to declare that their holding account is open.

Recommendation

Officials recommend that the requirement that the eligible person declare their holding account is open is removed from the final Fishing Allocation Plan.

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