On behalf of the Te Ohu Kaimoana Board we are pleased to provide you with our First Quarter Report against the annual plan for the 2018/19 financial year. This quarter covers the period from 1 October to 31 December 2018.

(Please click report below to view)

Fisheries New Zealand’s proposal to strengthen the management of commercial fisheries

On Monday 4 February, Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) released their consultation document ‘Your fisheries – your say’ on proposals to improve Aotearoa’s fisheries management system. Over the past year Te Ohu Kaimoana has been engaging with FNZ to help shape the proposals. This is an incredibly important consultation and final decisions are likely to have an impact on Iwi settlement quota and Iwi-owned fishing companies.

Rather than looking at broader issues in fisheries, the consultation focuses on the finer details of commercial fishing to ensure that our system incentivises good fishing practice, innovation and improves information. This consultation also gives Iwi Māori an opportunity to reflect on kaitiakitanga and how we can influence Aotearoa’s commercial fisheries. Consultation closes on 17 March.

Review of the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy

The Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage has received approval from Cabinet to revise the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy (NZBS). The revised NZBS is expected to be approved in 2019, one year ahead of the new global framework being developed for biodiversity. The risk of potential misalignment between our national and any new international approach is proposed to be mitigated through officials actively monitoring progress with the development of a new global approach. Cabinet have also approved Terms of Reference for three reference groups to support the development of the new NZBS. These groups will be established for mana whenua, stakeholders and science-related advice.

The Cabinet paper advises that Māori will be well represented in all three reference groups, but it is unclear how Iwi will be represented in discussions that relate to marine biodiversity. Separately, the Department of Conservation (DOC) has asked Te Ohu Kaimoana how we wish to be involved in the process. We will continue to liaise with DOC while working with Iwi to determine what risks and opportunities arise from the development of a new Strategy.

Māori Fisheries Conference 2019

The Māori Fisheries Conference 2019 will be held at the Novotel Auckland International Airport on Wednesday 27 March. The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Te hā o Tangaroa kia ora ai tāua’ – the breath of Tangaroa sustains us. The theme explores the interdependent relationship between humanity and its interactions and responsibilities with the environment. Speakers confirmed so far include Dr Chellie Spiller, Minister of Fisheries Hon Stuart Nash, CEO of Kono Rachel Taulelei, NZ Chief Economist Bevan Graham, environmentalist and Indigenous Rights advocate Tina Ngāta, master of traditional Māori fishing methods Danny Poihipi, representatives from the Australian Indigenous Reference Group, Sealord General Manager Doug Paulin, Te Wai Māori Chairman Ken Mair and Te Ohu Kaimoana Chairman Jamie Tuuta. To register for the Māori Fisheries Conference 2019, head to our conference website: www.teohu.conference.maori.nz
We look forward to seeing you there.

Prior to the conference, on Tuesday 26 March, Te Ohu Kaimoana and Te Wai Māori will facilitate a workshop for Mandated Iwi Organisations and Asset Holding Companies to discuss matters of significance relating to freshwater and marine fisheries. This year we will examine the key issues for marine and freshwater biodiversity in the context of the review of the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy, and discuss the management of īnanga (whitebait). The workshop will run from 1:00pm to 4.30pm at the Novotel Hotel Auckland International Airport. There is no charge to attend the workshop. If you wish to register, please email: ika@teohu.maori.nz

Following the Māori Fisheries Conference 2019 on Thursday 28 March, Te Ohu Kai Moana, Te Wai Māori Trust, Te Pūtea Whakatupu Trust and Aotearoa Fisheries Limited (trading as Moana New Zealand) will hold their collective Hui-ā-Tau / Annual General Meeting at the Novotel Hotel Auckland International Airport.