MEDIA RELEASE
2 October 2001
Commission To Put Forward Allocation Scenarios
The Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commission (Te Ohu Kai Moana) is making good progress on resolving the allocation of
Maori Commercial Fisheries Assets and will issue before the end of November a discussion document detailing allocation
proposals.
“Sometime before the end of November, Te Ohu Kai Moana will be in a position to issue a discussion panui to Iwi. This
panui is likely to contain a number of allocation scenarios for consideration,” the Chairman of Te Ohu Kai Moana, Shane
Jones, said today.
Mr Jones said the allocation work needed to be looked at in the context of the dispute resolution process that Te Ohu
Kai Moana is undertaking with parties taking litigation against the previous proposed Optimum Method of Allocation for
Pre-Settlement Assets (PRESA).
In 1998, following five years of consultation with Iwi and Maori organisations, an allocation scenario was presented to
Iwi. After receiving their comments, Te Ohu Kai Moana then finalised its proposed Optimum Method of Allocation, which
was for PRESA only, and signalled its intention to report this method to the Minister of Fisheries as required under the
Maori Fisheries Act 1989.
“Te Ohu Kai Moana was then struck with litigation from a number of parties. As such, the Commission was prevented by the
High Court to report the then preferred method of allocation to the Minister. Commissioners are currently reviewing the
previous method, but as they are looking to provide a complimentary solution for both PRESA and Post-Settlement Assets,
there will be a range of scenarios put to Iwi for their consideration,” Mr Jones said.
“It is envisaged that the new range of scenarios will help put parties’ and individuals’ minds at ease and go towards
resolving the litigation against Te Ohu Kai Moana.”
“Commissioners have been seeking an end to litigation through dispute resolution facilitated by retired High Court judge
Sir Rodney Gallen and this is proving successful,” he said. “Two Te Arawa groups and urban Maori organisations have
agreed to put litigation on hold until they’ve seen the allocation proposals put out by this Commission.”
“Such agreement is heartening, and shows that real progress is being made. Te Ohu Kai Moana is serious about resolving
concerns over allocation before Commissioners’ warrants expire in August next year,” Mr Jones said.
ENDS
For more information contact Glenn Hema Inwood Communications Manager on 021 498 010