South
Otago Maori plan mataitai north of DOC area
by Joseph
Beaumont
This
article was original published in the Southland Times 24 June
2005
South Otago Maori intend to apply for a mataitai just
north of the Department of Conservation's controversial proposed
marine reserve at Nugget Point.
The surprise
announcement was made at yesterday's meeting of the Clutha District
Council. If successful, the application would allow runanga
to manage an area recognised as important for customary food
gathering.
As a
courtesy, members of the South Otago Waikaou Ngai Tahu Runanga
had advised the council of their intention at a meeting this
week, chief executive Charles Hakkaart said.
The proposed
mataitai would stretch from Campbell's Point, near Wilsher Bay,
to the breakwater at the old fishermen's camp.
It would
stop short of the proposed marine reserve, thus allowing commercial
fishermen to land their catch at the slipway.
Mr Hakkaart
said before the application was made to the Ministry of Fisheries,
Ngai Tahu would consult with relevant individuals and organisations
and hold a public meeting at Kaka Point.
Members
of Ngai Tahu could not be contacted for comment last night.
Meanwhile,
the proposed Clutha coast marine guardians group will make a
presentation to council, including its terms of reference, on
July 15.
Other items from the meeting:
RATES: The average rates rise in the Clutha
district for 2005-06 will be 7.29 percent, corporate services
manager Alan Dickson said. The council will adopt the revised
annual plan at a special meeting on Wednesday.
FORESTRY:
It was a complete waste of time and money for the council's
forestry assets to be valued every year, as now required, Mr
Hayes said.
"I'm perfectly prepared to get a black mark from the auditors.
We can't be pushed around over this."
BURSARY:
The council's $1500 bursary for Telford Rural Polytechnic students
will be shared this year between Jodi Kirker, of Lumsden, and
Sam Heaven, of Canterbury.
