NZ King Salmon, whose costs to apply to expand its salmon farming operation in the Marlborough Sounds have blown out from NZD 2.5 million to NZD 8 million, has hit out at its opponents’ “damaging” campaign.
“Our EPA application is costing us $8m now — all for 12 surface hectares. I fear for the future of primary production and prosperity in New Zealand,” said the company’s chief executive, Grant Rosewarne.
The company’s application to the Environmental Protection Authority for nine new farms is to be heard by a board of inquiry in Blenheim, starting at the end of the month.
It originally estimated that its case would cost NZD 2.5million, but later revised this to NZD 6 million and now NZD 8 million.