Ruth Dyson: Fishing licence debacle

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For many locals and visitors in the popular Taupo area, the traditional "day out fishing" has turned into a nightmare.

Children and adults, seeking to catch dinner or just have a day out trying to catch anything, have been stunned and frustrated at the new regime which the Department of Conservation (DoC) has put in place, which has turned an easy day out and fun for the family into a stressful process, leaving many unhappy at what should be the happiest time of the year.

DoC has recently changed the previous, simple paper-based fishing licence system to an online licence purchase system.

The move was criticised at the time due to lack of consultation and rapid implementation and now those concerns have come home to roost.

The change was a move by DoC to save money in their cash-strapped environment. But the cost to the pleasure of holidaymakers, local and overseas visitors, is an embarrassment to an area touting itself as a great tourist destination.

There are some parts of the eastern side of Lake Taupo which have no broadband. Most people don't take a printer with them on holiday but are required to carry their licence with them.

And the online version doesn't give people the regulations for their area.

The system has crashed several times, according to people who have contacted me - with some waiting more than 25 minutes to get a licence.

Imagine the frustration of campground operators with 900 families around half of whom might want a 24-hour licence? That's a long queue.

This new system should have been introduced alongside paper-based licences and should have back-up and monitoring.

There have been no phase-in and no transition arrangements.

The minister needs to step in urgently and get this shambles sorted. Many will now leave the area with a sour taste in their mouth.

They will have just given up and gone fishing without a licence. Either way, no one is winning. It is an embarrassment that needs sorting.

• Ruth Dyson is the Labour Party's conservation spokeswoman.