Haratua 2007
Issue 12

  1. New Shared Fisheries Proposal Put to Minister
  2. Scientists survey Taharoa eel populations
  3. Busy year begins with mandating iwi and protecting the settlement
  4. Ngai Tamanuhiri achieves inshore fisheries agreement
  5. Rob McLeod stands down from board
  6. Kiwis well-informed on sustainability and the health benefits of fish
  7. AFL buys Kia Ora Seafoods
  8. Maori shared fisheries submissions
  9. Maori MPs intervention delays introduction of Fisheries Amendment Bill
  10. Sealord CEO moves to new role
  11. Napier Fisheries Conference
  12. Panel airs shared fisheries views
  13. Glaister resigns as head of MFish
  14. Commercial fisheries valued at $3.8 billion
  15. Staying Maori while going global
  16. Court delivers judgement on Kahawai allowable catch
  17. Government approves industry-led proposal to protect seabed
  18. Ngai Tahu says eel size limits ineffectual
  19. More assets in iwi hands first half of financial year
  20. High seas limit on bottom trawl fishing
  21. Kirsty Woods takes leave of absence
  22. Changes to Charitable Trust laws
  23. Staff and Directors
  24. New Executive Assistant

Other Issues >>

Napier Fisheries Conference

The recent Maori fisheries conference hosted by the Treaty Tribes Coalition and Ngati Kahungunu held in Napier from 1 – 3 April attracted more than 200 people as concern over shared fisheries increased among iwi fisheries representatives.

It has been almost two months since the closing date for submissions into the Government's proposals although no decisions have been made by the Minister of Fisheries, Jim Anderton, at this stage. When the “discussion document” was released in October last year, Mr Anderton hoped that legislation would be passed on shared fisheries before the end of this year.

Haimoana Maruera (Ngati Ruanui), Right, and Kepa Toa (Ngati Kahungunu) listen to speakers at the Maori Fisheries Conference in Napier.

In announcing the conference, organiser Ngahiwi Tomoana said the shared fisheries debate had stirred many Maori into attending the conference to learn more. “It's an issue where Maori fear an agreement made with the Crown will be undermined and devalued, and we see this problem as something that could be resolved kanohi ki te kanohi.”

Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia, in his opening speech to the conference, said the Government had no intention “under any circumstances of interfering with any deed of settlement process or outcomes”.

“I strongly support this,” he said. “The Minister of Fisheries has also been clear that there is no intention whatever of interfering with the Quota Management System in any way shape or form except by a willing seller process. This is an important aspect of the proposals and is a matter that will receive careful attention when the proposals are reported back to Cabinet towards the middle of this year.”

“Obviously good information is required and all three sectors of the fishing industry (commercial, customary and recreational), where Maori have an intricate knowledge, should be given due regard. I understand that submissions received on the proposals show that some Maori do support a number of the proposals,” he added.

The conference canvassed fisheries issues such as commercial opportunities and the global fishing industry, marine reserves and shared fisheries. Presentations were also made by Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd (50 percent owner of Sealord Group Ltd) and the Petroleum Association of New Zealand.

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