'Sensitive' growth in mining inevitable - Brownlee

National Party MP Gerry Brownlee said mining would contribute to the economy 'in a very sensitive manner'. File photo / Greg Bowker

Economic Development Minister Gerry Brownlee says that the mining industry in New Zealand is certain to grow - but will do so in a sensitive manner.

When asked by a mining supporter at the annual conference today whether National would open up further mines in the conservation estate, Mr Brownlee said an increase in mining activity was certain to happen.

The Government is considering opening up more mining on the conservation land currently protected under Schedule Four of the Crown Minerals Act.

The issue has been a contentious one that saw about 40,000 protesters march up Queen St in Auckland.

Mr Brownlee said the Government would release its decision shortly.

"We are working very speedily towards a proper decision. The mining industry will expand.

"The process has given us a clear understanding of what New Zealanders want what they'll tolerate."

He said mining would "contribute more to New Zealand economy in the years ahead and it will be doing so in a very sensitive manner".

Mr Brownlee earlier outlined the potential of aquaculture and the wine industry to growing the export side of the economy.

Ten years ago the aquaculture industry - including farming fish - was worth $200 million a year, and in 2009 it was still worth less than $300 million.

This is despite having the fourth largest economic zone in the world for aquaculture, and high quality products.

He said the Government was focused on the legislative environment to help the industry grow, as well as retaining the intellectual rights in New Zealand.

The wine industry also suffered from "under-demand", leaving a surplus of New Zealand wines on New Zealand supermarket shelves.

Potential to expand overseas markets - particularly in America and China - as well as increase the quality and the value of the product were the keys to growing wine exports to $1 billion industry.

Commerce Minister Simon Power earlier said the Government had no plans to make Kiwisaver compulsory.

He was asked by a delegate why, given New Zealander's poor savings record, the Government did not make Kiwisaver compulsory as well as increase the employee and employer contributions.

Mr Power said there were no plans to do that at this stage, as the focus was on making the regulatory environment "as firm, reliable and credible as possible".

Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce, also in response to questions from delegates, said the Government was looking to expand and invest more in education opportunities in India, China and other parts of Asia.

"It is hugely important and shows the high regard the New Zealand education system is held in for English language education."

The opportunities lay not only in bringing more international students to New Zealand, but also in exporting education overseas, but he said the Government had to be "careful not to overgrow".

"But there is room to grow in India, China and other Asian countries."

National Party president Peter Goodfellow also told the conference that the party coffers had never been so full in a non-election year.