Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Kahawai Legal Challenge campaign.

Well done for a mammoth effort!

After much anticipation, the Kahawai Legal Challenge case proceeded in the Auckland High Court in the week of 6 November before Justice Rhys Harrison of the Auckland High Court.  
  
Alan Galbraith QC presented argument for recreational fishing groups that the Ministry of Fisheries had not advised the Fisheries Minister of the social and cultural implications to recreational fishers when selecting existing "catch-history" as the "best" basis on which to allocate kahawai stocks between the commercial and non-commercial fishing sectors.
  
The Court also heard a counterclaim by the fishing industry, led by Sanford and Sealord Group Limited.  The fishing industry argued that the Minister had let politics influence his decision in not reducing recreational bag limits as MFish had advised in 2005.
  
Crown Counsel was presenting a reply on behalf of the Minister and the Ministry of Fisheries when the Judge took ill.  As a result the case was adjourned.

The hearing is likely to recommence in December.

You can stay in touch with the latest developments by visiting
https://www.kahawai.co.nz/

Will keep you posted.
Kahawai Legal Challenge team

For a quick summary of the case go to
https://www.kahawai.co.nz/documents/kahawaiflyer.pdf

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