This performance audit—initiated by the Ministry and led by independent experts—reinforced the importance of aligning public research investment with sustainability imperatives. It remains a key milestone in New Zealand’s journey toward more accountable and environmentally responsible fisheries governance.
— New Zealand —
accountability. transparency. sustainability.
Enhancing Accountability in Fisheries Research: A Performance Audit of New Zealand's Government Programme
"The Ministry developed a medium-term research plan for the aquatic environment in 1998... However, we believe that the Ministry needs to perform more work to meet the aquatic environment requirements of the 1996 Act."
— Office of the Auditor-General, New Zealand see (OAG report)
Challenge
Between November 1997 and March 1998, the Ministry of Fisheries in New Zealand initiated a performance audit to evaluate its multi-million-dollar fisheries research programme. To ensure impartiality and subject matter expertise, the Ministry appointed an expert advisory team led by John THIRD of GG International, a recognised global authority on fisheries governance and sustainability. The primary objectives were to assess.
- Policy Alignment: Ensuring research initiatives were in line with the Fisheries Act 1996, which emphasized sustainable utilization of fisheries resources.
- Research Outcomes: Evaluating the effectiveness and relevance of research projects in addressing key environmental and sustainability concerns.
- Deliverables and Budget Performance: Reviewing whether the contracted research outputs were delivered on time and within budget, and assessing the overall financial management of the programme.
The audit was crucial in identifying areas where the Ministry's research efforts needed to be more strategically focused and better managed to meet legislative and environmental obligations.
Strategy
The independent audit team, under GG International’s leadership, deployed a structured and inclusive methodology:
- Contract Review: Analysed existing research agreements for compliance with deliverables and timelines.
- Stakeholder Consultations: Conducted interviews with researchers, officials, and industry representatives to assess programme effectiveness and impact.
- Financial Analysis: Assessed the fiscal integrity of the programme, including fund allocation and actual expenditure.
- Policy Assessment: Measured research activity alignment with the Fisheries Act 1996 and relevant policy instruments.
This rigorous process ensured an objective and transparent review, ultimately supporting a more effective and sustainable fisheries research system.
Transformation
The audit, guided by GG International’s fisheries expert John THIRD, produced key outcomes:
- Improved Oversight: Called for stronger monitoring frameworks to track research impact and alignment with national priorities.
- Strategic Realignment: Advocated for a refined research agenda with a focus on ecosystem impacts, consistent with legislative mandates.
- Financial Accountability: Identified areas for enhanced budget discipline and efficiency in resource use.
- Policy Commitment: Urged greater resource allocation to fully implement the environmental principles embedded in the Fisheries Act.