Commerce, law graduate immersed in allocation

A former scholarship recipient, Ben Potaka has ensconced himself into the role of allocation at Te Ohu Kaimoana since completing his double degree in law and commerce at Victoria University.

Ben has been working in the allocation team since March this year and is finding the role fulfilling.

“I knew very little about the Maori fisheries settlement before I came to work at Te Ohu Kaimoana, but have found it a great place to learn more about iwi and Maori development,” he says.

Ben was encouraged by his uncle, who worked for the Wanganui River Maori Trust Board, and his father to apply for a scholarship from the then Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commission. He set himself about studying Maori land law and resource law and eventually finished his double degree.

“It's rewarding finding out more about the fisheries settlement and especially the opportunities available to iwi when they receive the income from these assets,” Ben says.

Ben plans to undertake his legal professional studies early next year to be admitted to the bar.

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Tiakina ngā rawa hi ika, a tātou kaimoana mo ngā uri whakaheke
Protecting Māori fisheries assets for future generations

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