Updated 9:12am: A total ban on shark diving is being put forward as a better solution than regulating the industry.

The suggestion comes from New Zealand First, as two permits have been issued in the previously unregulated industry.

It says it's sticking up for paua divers, who are worried about their safety.

Industrial Relations spokesman Clayton Mitchell says DOC is looking after the welfare of sharks, which is fantastic.

"But who's actually looking out for the welfare of our workers?

And all departments in our government seem tobe ducking and diving and nobody wants to take responsibility for it

"It's time we say, 'well lets learn more'."

Clayton Mitchell says the safety of working divers should come ahead of tourists, protected by cages.

"They're not going to differentiate between those swimmers and those who are actually out there doing a job, i.e the paua divers only a few kilometres away.

"It's potentially a massive behavioural shift and putting our workers in some serious danger."