Fisheries Leader Acknowledged

Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu has welcomed new trustees to the board of Te Ohu Kaimoana, the Maori Fisheries Trust, and expressed its long-held appreciation for the work of departing Chair Ngahiwi Tomoana.

“Ngahiwi, who also chairs Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, has been dedicated to advancing Maori interests in the marine environment, including customary commercial fisheries, aquaculture and providing policy and fisheries management advice and recommendations to Iwi and the wider Maori community,” says Mark Solomon, Kaiwhakahaere of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu.

“We thank Ngahiwi for his term as Chair and for his careful attention to looking after the collective interests of Iwi and those fishery assets held in trust through the 1989 and 1992 Maori Commercial Fisheries Settlement.”

Ngahiwi was nominated for the position of Chair by the late Ta Archie Taiaroa. Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu wishes to acknowledge the milestones that Ngahiwi achieved on behalf of so many others, due in particular to his ability to facilitate and promote collaboration among Iwi.

While Ngahiwi was Chair, the Trust encouraged a number of Iwi to enter Coastline agreements with each other, and supported Iwi in negotiating regional agreements with the Crown in respect of aquaculture.

Combining his role as Chair of Te Ohu and membership of the Maori Economic Taskforce, Ngahiwi spearheaded the Koura Inc initiative, investigating marketing opportunities for Iwi fishing businesses to sell crayfish in China.

Mr Solomon says Te Runanga also welcomes a number of new trustees to the board of Te Ohu Kaimoana.

“They have an important task ahead and as trustees must administer the Maori Fisheries Settlement assets to benefit us all as we manage these resources for future generations.”

ENDS

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