Ngapuhi, Ngati Whatua, other iwi, hapu and all those associated with the Hokianga Accord.
Kahawai numbers have diminished drastically over the past 30 years and if the decline continues there will be few left for our mokopuna [descendants].
While many fishers are ho hum about kahawai these fantastic fish are highly prized amongst northern Maori, both for their eating quality and their social and cultural value.
Usually fishing at the beach is a whanau event. Kuia kaumatua come along to spend the day with their mokopuna in a safe environment. If kahawai numbers are well down then there are less fish available inshore. Beach and rock fishing becomes a hit-and-miss affair with no kai to take home in the evening.
While it is easy for the Minister to be flippant and say nothing has changed on the water, it already has.
Kahawai used to be our bread and butter fish but it is rapidly becoming a rarity. In some northern harbours it is easier to catch a trevally than a kahawai these days.
After the Ministry released its kahawai proposal papers in late June recreational groups across the country spent months compiling and submitting information on the true state of the fishery.
A recent survey of 1000 people found that over 96% wanted commercial catch limits reduced to cover inevitable bycatch only. Bulk harvesting of kahawai by purse seiners was totally rejected.
