UPDATE – 14 November 2022
First rollout of on-board cameras now to go live in March 2023
Fisheries New Zealand is committed to the successful rollout of new hi-tech cameras on 300 commercial fishing vessels.
Our provider, Spark Business Group, has told us that the new camera system is not ready to roll out on the first group of 32 vessels by 30 November (replacing cameras on 13 vessels that were first put in place in 2019, and installing cameras on a further 19 vessels).
Spark has confirmed there is more work required to ensure the system fully meets its functional, security, and privacy assurance requirements.
We've been assured that the system will now go live in March 2023 for the 19 vessels currently not operating cameras, and with replacement cameras for the other 13 vessels all in place and operating by the end of April.
There will be no impact on timeframes for the wider rollout of up to 270 vessels that are earmarked for the camera system.
For those fishers in the initial group, there is nothing you need to do. We will contact each affected vessel owner directly to advise them of the situation and inform them they have been granted an interim exemption until the new dates when the system is ready to go-live.