Te Ohu Kaimoana Media Release

Thursday, 26 November

New Chairman for Te Ohu Kaimoana

Te Ohu Kaimoana, the Maori Fisheries Trust, confirmed Ngati Kahungunu’s Ngahiwi Tomoana as its new Chairman today, on the same day the Board mandated Ngati Toa as the 50th iwi to receive its share of the Maori Fisheries Settlement.

Chairman of the past three years, Sir Archie Taiaroa, decided to stand aside, although he will remain on the Board.

Sonny Tau, chairman of Te Runanga-a-Iwi O Ngapuhi, nominated Mr Tomoana for the Chair, and was then chosen in turn to be Deputy Chairman. Sir Archie seconded the nomination.

Mr Tomoana said it was a great honour to be appointed Chairman, and immediately acknowledged Sir Archie’s leadership.

“Sir Archie has chosen to stand aside from the chairmanship as Ngati Toa becomes the 50th mandated iwi organisation (MIO) under the Maori Fisheries Act,” Mr Tomoana said.

“Having 50 of the 57 iwi now mandated to receive there share of the settlement is a suitable testament to Sir Archie’s leadership.

“I now look forward to building on his contribution and the work of the Board to take Te Ohu Kaimoana and Maori fisheries into the future,” he said.

Mr Tomoana said it was a time of great change and challenges, but also of great opportunity for Maori.
“I am delighted that Sir Archie will remain on the Board and that we will have the benefit of his experience and wise counsel in the years ahead.”

Mr Tomoana has been on the Te Ohu Kaimoana Board for three years and is Chairman of Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated. He has also been responsible for the annual Maori Fisheries Conference.

Te Ohu Kaimoana Chief Executive Peter Douglas also welcomed the appointments of Mr Tomoana and Mr Tau, and acknowledged the leadership that has been provided by Sir Archie.

“This is an important day for Te Ohu Kaimoana. We have Maori leaders of the future being promoted by one of our true statesmen, Sir Archie Taiaroa,” Mr Douglas said.

“There is a lot of work ahead and we have a robust and experienced Board under strong leadership to take that work on,” he said.

Mr Douglas said Ngati Toa becoming the 50th MIO was a real milestone in the allocation process, with the iwi’s rangatira fulfilling all the requirements of the Maori Fisheries Act.

Ends.

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