From NZ Herald · · 3m
Opportunity Party candidate Jodie Kuntzsch lobbied for bottom trawlers
Opportunity Party's Nelson candidate Jodie Kuntzsch worked in fisheries lobbying but supports ending destructive bottom trawling.
In brief
Opportunity Party's Nelson candidate Jodie Kuntzsch worked in fisheries lobbying but supports ending destructive bottom trawling. Opportunity Party candidate Jodie Kuntzsch previously worked as a seafood industry lobbyist but supports phasing out bottom trawling in New Zealand. Originally reported by NZ Herald.
Opportunity Party's bottom trawling policy
The Opportunity Party says bottom trawling is destructive and wants to end it in vulnerable inshore areas like the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana.
“The party outlined conditions for entering a coalition”
Jodie Kuntzsch's background
Jodie Kuntzsch, Opportunity's Nelson candidate, has worked in the marine space for 20 years and runs a consultancy focused on seafood industry transparency.
“I will leave that to you to decide”
Kuntzsch's work history
Kuntzsch worked for Deepwater Group, now the Deepwater Council, and the Open Seas transparency initiative within the blue economy.
“I can't give you a direct yes or no answer to that one”
Kuntzsch on bottom trawling
Kuntzsch said she supported sustainable bottom trawling in the past but now supports a staged phase-out recognizing critical habitats needing urgent action.
“it is not a binary”
Kuntzsch's stance on lobbying
Kuntzsch supports the party's policy to crack down on lobbying and create a public register of lobbyists to improve government transparency.
“For me it doesn't matter whether it's defined as lobbying or not”
Kuntzsch's political history
Kuntzsch previously had some involvement with New Zealand First over regional development and sustainable seafood issues but denies being a member.
“Does it, does it matter to you if I was”
Opportunity Party's coalition policy
The party has five non-negotiable bottom-line policies for coalition partners, including regulating lobbyists and ending bottom trawling.
“The party outlined conditions for entering a coalition”
Kuntzsch's industry role
Kuntzsch ran Jansencampbell consultancy from 2016, focusing on improving transparency and performance across the seafood industry globally.
“I represented and advocated on behalf of the seafood industry”
Kuntzsch's sustainability focus
Kuntzsch emphasized ensuring a sustainable seafood industry through environmental, social, and climate adaptability measures.
“my focus has been on ensuring that we have a sustainable seafood industry”
Kuntzsch's policy support
Kuntzsch supports the party's current policy on ending bottom trawling in vulnerable areas and phasing out the practice in stages.
“it is not a binary”
New Zealand First opposition
New Zealand First, a party vocal in its support for fisheries, has spoken out against Opportunity's policy to crack down on bottom trawling.
“probably the party that we have the least in common with”
Kuntzsch's political alignment
Kuntzsch has been involved with multiple political parties in the past but says she has never fully aligned with any party as she does now with Opportunity.
“there's nuance to some of that”
Opportunity's coalition strategy
The Opportunity Party is staking its political future on a crackdown on lobbying and outlawing destructive bottom trawling practices.
“the party is fully aware of the candidate's work history”
Kuntzsch's transparency focus
Kuntzsch described her career as focused on improving transparency and performance in environmental, social, and climate adaptability areas.
“my career has focused on improving transparency and performance”
Kuntzsch's industry advocacy
Kuntzsch served as an industry expert in parliamentary select committee hearings and the High Court of New Zealand.
“I represented and advocated on behalf of the seafood industry”
Kuntzsch's policy stance
Kuntzsch supports the staged phase-out of bottom trawling in New Zealand, recognizing critical habitats needing urgent action.
“it is not a binary”
The bottom line
Opportunity Party candidate Jodie Kuntzsch previously worked as a seafood industry lobbyist but supports phasing out bottom trawling in New Zealand.
