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Welcome to the latest edition of iKARERE, in which we keep you abreast of the significant developments in the fisheries sector in general, and Maori fisheries in particular.

In this issue, we look at two important events for Maori fishing interests – next week’s Maori Fisheries Conference in Napier and May’s New Zealand Seafood Industry Conference in Wellington.

We will also update you on a recent report on regulatory issues facing the fisheries industry, a Pataka pilot scheme for customary fishing, and the search for the next Global Fisheries scholars to Japan.

Peter Douglas, Chief Executive (peter.douglas@teohu.maori.nz)

Te Ohu Kaimoana Chief Executive Peter Douglas is calling for iwi and Maori fishing interests to attend two important upcoming conferences in the next few weeks – the Maori Fisheries conference in Napier (6-7 April) and the New Zealand Seafood Industry Conference in Wellington (6-7 May). Mr Douglas said Te Ohu Kaimoana had sponsorship roles in both conferences because they are important for Maori fishing interests. “These two annual events provide very important opportunities to first come together as Maori and look at issues that specifically concern us, and then as part of the wider industry. And in the current global economic environment, coming together, talking, thinking and working together is more important than ever,” he said. More information and registration details for the conferences can be found at http://www.manamoana.co.nz/ and http://www.seafoodconference.co.nz

A report stating that fishing in New Zealand is governed by 8000 regulations and that the industry needs to work to overcome conflict and bureaucracy was released by the Government this month. The PriceWaterhouseCoopers report – at http://www.fish.govt.nz/ennz/Fisheries+2030/default.htm
- was released as part of the Ministry of Fisheries’ 2030 Vision initiative. It sets out the range of issues – including Shared Fisheries – that need to be advanced to have satisfactory fisheries management. Te Ohu Kaimoana will continue working with iwi on establishing the emphasis and order of those issues that Maori will want advanced so they can enjoy the full range of commercial and non-commercial outcomes envisaged by the Fisheries Settlement.

Some of the issues covered in the report include:

• Improving clarity around rights and responsibilities
• Specifying roles and responsibilities of the Crown and
  the sector
• Cost effective models for research and observer services, reduced compliance costs, improved specification of
  fisheries services and accountability structures; revised
  cost recovery systems
• Annual reporting on the state of fisheries with monitoring
  of both Ministry of Fisheries and sector performance
• An allocation policy for shared fisheries
• Setting catch limits that maximise benefits
• Options for non-commercial fishing areas
• Enabling quota owners to take collective management action, and improved collective management and governance arrangements for non-commercial sectors
• Better catch and effort information from the non-commercial sector (including the charter boat sector), with improved long-term research plans.
  
  

Te Ohu Kaimoana staff met with Ngati Ruanui, Nga Rauru and Taranaki Tuturu representatives earlier this month to finalise a joint presentation to the Ministry of Fisheries on the Pataka System pilot scheme which it is hoped will begin next month.

This process began over 2 years ago when Iwi sought assistance from Te Ohu Kaimoana to help develop the policy to to overcome legal and compliance barriers preventing the legitimate establishment of pataka/whata. This pilot allows the use of commercial vessels and premises to catch and sort fish until it is needed for customary purposes  at a later date (i.e. for purposes such as hui and tangi).  To date, this has been inhibited by regulations around custormary non-commercial fishing, Te Ohu Senior Policy Analysts, Tania McPherson (Tania.McPherson@teohu.maori.nz) said: “This is an exciting pilot scheme that is breaking new ground,  and we are pleased to be able to work with Iwi to help them achieve their aims and aspirations.”