Catlin's
Mataitai Supported
Media Release,
Forest and Bird Society
29 June
2005
The Royal Forest and Bird Society today commended the Waikoau
Ngai Tahu Rununga
Incorporated
Committee on their decision to go ahead with a Mataitai proposal
adjacent to DoCs proposed Nugget Point Marine Reserve.
"Waikoau
Ngai Tahu Runanga has an important role in the guardianship
of the coast. A mataitai would compliment the marine reserve
proposal and would enhance the management of the coast,"
said Forest and Bird Southern Conservation Officer, Rebecca
Bird.
Ms Bird
stated that "the marine environment north of the Nuggets
needs protection and management so it is heartening to see local
tangata whenua opting to manage this area through a mataitai."
Over
700 people, mostly from the local area have sent post cards
to the Department of Conservation seeking an increase in the
area of the proposed Nugget Point marine reserve.
"Criticism
aimed DoC over its handling of the Nugget Point proposal was
the result of a smear-campaign from opposers of a marine reserve
who lacked any scientific reason on which to base their opposition.
They seem to be hoping that DOC would give up on the proposal,"
Ms Bird said.
"Claims
by fishers that the Nugget Point area is not degraded is a joke,
she said that the state of paua and cray fisheries simply speak
for themselves," she said.
Forest
and Bird look forward to the proposal being released by DOC
and are confident that a Labour government will give the proposal
a chance given their commitment to the protection of the marine
environment and their aim to have 10% of New Zealand's marine
environment in marine reserves by 2010.
Notes:
