| Fury
over fishery fiasco
Keri
Molloy
17
September 2008
 |
|
Courtesy of The
Bay Chronicle |
The
campaign for a local fishery in the Bay of Islands has dragged on
for more than 10 years, prompting fury and frustration at last week’s
Hokianga Accord hui held at Paihia.
Taiamai Ki Te Marangai Roopu Kaitiaki chairman Judah Heihei blames
the Ministry of Fisheries for lack of action, moving the goal posts
and inefficiency.
Mr Heihei says: "Our 14 hapu have faced racism and a dictatorial
attitude from ministry staff in trying to get the mataitai under
way."
Ministry officials were present at the hui to field a blast of criticism.
Chief executive Wayne McNee assured the hui he would do his best
to ensure ministry staff would implement the correct mataitai process.
The Te Puna – Mangonui – Inlet local fishery was initiated
by Ngati Rehia o Te Ti Mangonui and Ngati Torehina in 1998.
Mataitai reserves are designed to protect customary non-commercial
fishing by the establishment of customary fishing regulations at
traditional fishing grounds.
Commercial fishing is usually banned within mataitai reserves. Tangata
tiaki – Maori fisheries guardians – are nominated by
tangata whenua and appointed by the minister.
The Hokianga Accord was formed three years ago when Northland Maori
realised that their non-commercial interests were threatened by
a lack of fish.
Maori and recreational fishing interests united to "restore
access for all New Zealanders to the nation’s marine environment".
Under the banner More Fish in the Water, they sought strength in
unity and urged the ministry, when making reductions in catch that
it be from the commercial take, not customary or recreational catch.
Te Runanga A iwi O Ngapuhi’s Sonny Tau said at last week’s
hui: "We have tried working with the ministry for the past
three years to establish a forum to discuss non-commercial fishing
interests.
"This has been unsuccessful due to the ministry’s reluctance
to have customary and amateur fishing representatives in the same
room. Despite that, we are determined to continue discussions among
ourselves because our non-commercial interests in having plenty
of fish in the sea extends to both Maori and Pakeha."
Ngati Rehia has long complained about the quantity and quality of
kaimoana in local waters.
According to a report in its management plan: "Where once Ngati
Rehia feasted on koura and paua and scallops, now you are more likely
to be served kahawai and pipi. Our waters are more likely to be
polluted. Now we face new challenges – expanding urban growth,
coastal development, climate change."
A public meeting to discuss the proposal will be held on October
6, at Whitiora Marae, Te Tii.
"We look forward to having minitry support when we hold our
meetings to discuss the plans," Mr Heihei said.
Mr McNee says there are two separate applications for two different
types of reserve at issue. Concerning the latest application for
a mataitai reserve, he says there is a legal process to be followed.
"The ministry will continue to work with Mr Heihei to progress
the application."
He says staff have attended and addressed Hokianga Accord meetings
many times and will
continue to do so.
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