Aotearoa Fisheries keen for collaborative approach
New Zealand’s largest Māori-owned fishing group, Aotearoa Fisheries, applauds the government’s focus on sustainably
managing and protecting our oceans, but is concerned that recreational fishing parks and marine and seabed reserves and
sanctuaries will adversely affect Māori fishing rights.
Aotearoa Fisheries Chief Executive Carl Carrington says it is very clear that the proposition to exclude all commercial
and non-commercial customary fishing from parks, reserves and sanctuaries is making Iwi anxious.
“Māori have fought hard to have their fishing rights recognised under the Treaty and, for iwi to have confidence in
Treaty Settlements, the Government will need to carefully consider these rights,” he said. “It does provide some
reassurance that the Government says it will seek greater consultation with Māori and the community to work through the
issue.”
“As an agent of Māori in matters concerning the marine environment, Aotearoa Fisheries has an important role to play in
preserving Iwi fishing assets secured as part of the Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Settlement given effect by the Māori
Fisheries Act 2004. The proposals as they are set out will have a significant impact on the rights of Iwi under the
Treaty Settlement,” he said.
“Iwi have always held a key role in the sustainability of a resource that should be available for everyone to enjoy for
generations to come. In addition to personal responsibility, Iwi fishing quota rises and falls on the tides of
sustainability already.”
If the proposed changes are to go ahead, Aotearoa Fisheries supports the notion that fair compensation must be given to
those whose livelihoods are affected.
With regard to recreation-only areas, Mr Carrington questions whether it is an effective sustainability tool.
“I believe a combination of a well-managed Quota Management System, responsive fisheries management decisions and the
implementation of protection areas where needed will deliver the best possible conservation and economic balance for all
New Zealanders,” he says.
“The other key to achieving effective sustainable management (ie longevity) of this shared resource is being able to
measure all catches – customary, commercial, charter and recreational – as effectively as possible. Without it, we do
not have adequate data on which the Government is able to base responsible fisheries management decisions.”
ENDS