Rex, funny you should mention being an economist: I ask you to consider. racepics has suggested fish could be processed here in NZ rather than ship it offshore, then have to re-import the product back here for retail sale.

Please step with me into the world of stark realism. There is a great need in NZ for jobs for Maori, people who figure unacceptably highly in the unemployment statistics. Twelve years ago, Sealord, one of the largest fish handlers in NZ, became part of a settlement under a Treaty of Waitangi.

This treaty settlement gave the Maori owners/controllers an ideal opportunity to promote and create work for local Iwi. Sadly, as has been mentioned, the work goes offshore perhaps to boost the corporate purse. I believe that tends to put a slightly different slant on what has been suggested.

http://www.afl.maori.nz/sealord.html