fREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This is only a discussion document, so what’s
the problem?
We are concerned that this document is more than a mere discussion document, although we are encouraged by the Prime Minister’s statement recently that the Government has no agreed policy on shared fisheries.
However, the Minister of Fisheries, Jim Anderton, has stated that he wants to see legislation through Parliament by the end of 2007.
The Government has a duty to consult with Maori over this issue. The principles of the Treaty of Waitangi have been enunciated by the Courts. They require that both sides act in good faith and act honourably towards each other, that the Crown actively protects Maori rights and interests, makes informed decisions, and avoids providing impediments to Maori development and avoids the creation of new grievances.
The Ministry of Fisheries has not entered into specific consultation on the Shared Fisheries proposals with iwi nor with Te Ohu Kaimoana, the Maori Fisheries Trust. The Government is treating Maori not as a Treaty Partner, but merely as just another stakeholder.