Global Fisheries Scholarship winners
Te Ohu Kaimoana's sought after Global Fisheries Scholarship continues to attract high quality applicants each year, and this year's winners are a testament to the programme's desirability for Maori interested in a fishing career.
This is the first time in the five years since the programme began that the positions are to be taken up by two women, both of whom have already obtained skills and experience in the marine environment and fishing industry.
Ronni Symon, 33, (Te Aitanga a Mahaki) from Waipaoa, Gisborne will begin her 12 months' study in Tokyo, Japan, at the beginning of January 2007 and Nita Wi Repa, 23, (Ngati Porou, Te Atiawa) from Poneke will begin in 2008. They take over from Nathan Reid ( Tuwharetoa, Te Aupouri) and Tania Jackson (Ngati Kahu, Te Aupouri) who return home after their year at Nippon Suisan Kaisha in September.
Ronni has been a commercial fisher for 10 years and has been working for her iwi in fisheries-related matters for the last two years. She is also currently the programme co-ordinator for maritime studies at Tairawhiti Polytechnic.
A mother of one whose partner, Mike, is also a commercial fisherman, Ronni has contributed to local fisheries matters for a number of years. “The work I've done with my iwi is voluntary. I do it because it is my passion and even though I have been a commercial fisher for so long, it does not mean I'm only interested in taking from our moana,” she says. “Sustainability is a key factor in the success of this industry for the future.”
Ronni says her students have a good understanding of sustainability because it is part of Maori tikanga, and this forms the basis of her desire to continue in the industry. The 12 months in Japan learning fisheries management will only improve the contribution she can make. “My contribution will be Maori within our industry looking after Maori interests – being equipped with the knowledge and experience to make the right decisions for Maori, the moana and our environment.”
Nita Wi Repa grew up in a Maori community on the East Coast and was raised with a strong sense of Maori tikanga, understanding from a young age the importance of land and sea to Maori. Despite her age, Nita has developed a keenness for protecting Maori interests and increasing Maori economic advantage. A recent graduate from Otago University, she participated in helping research for the foreshore submission for the Ruawaipu East Coast Cluster, part of the East Coast claims.
Nita sees her 12 months in Japan as an opportunity to gain firsthand experience with international business training in a large corporation. “I see the programme as a great chance to learn new skills and knowledge that could be used to benefit Maori fisheries business strategies,” she says.
Majoring in zoology, history and Maori society and culture, Nita is familiar with the Maori fishing industry having been the recipient of a Te Ohu Kaimoana marine science scholarship three times. “Since I have only recently graduated from Otago, I have not had the chance to be a participant in any other Maori seafood and fishery sectors, but I hope to do so in the future as I feel it is where my strengths lie,” she says.
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Tiakina ngā rawa hi ika, a tātou kaimoana mo ngā uri whakaheke
Protecting Māori fisheries assets for future generations