Kahawai Submission CO-OP

Kahawai Submission

Te Kawanga o Kahungunu, Ngati Pahauwera Section 30 Co-op

& Moeangiangi 42 N Owners

5 April 2004

Fishing Submissions

Christian Philbrert

Ministry of Fisheries

PO Box 1020

Wellington

5 April 2004

Dear Madam,

This is a joint submission made on behalf of Te Kawanga o Kahungunu and The Ngati Pahauwera Section 30 Co-operative Representatives and Moeangiangi 42 N Owners.

History

Te Kawanga O Kahungunu was founded in 1924 and is a Maori Reservation. The main objective of the Trust Order is to look after the interests of Ngati Kahungunu.

The Ngati Pahauwera Section 30 Co-operative.

They represent. Ngati Pahauwera. This is a legal entity formed in 1996 under the Maori Land Act Section 30. It's primary objective is to represent Ngati Pahauwera concerning Treaty of Waitangi Claims, Local Government issues and Fisheries.

Moeangiangi 42N.Owners

A Maori Fishing Reserve was formed in 1866 as a fishing reserve for the owners of the block, which is situated at the mouth of the Moeangiangi River.

I have been appointed to represent the three stakeholders.

Submission:

The Wairoa Hard is a non-commercial fishing area situated between the Waihua and Moeangiangi Rivers. It was set aside by an order in Council. This acknowledges the importance of the area as a breeding ground for many species of fish.

The proper Management of the Fishery is crucial to the survival of the Fish Species in this area.

The Fishery should be made non-commercial out the twelve-mile limit. For all species but in particular the Kahawai.

A joint management programme should be set up between the MoF and the above. The Fishery quota would be relinquished and in no way could any of the Maori Group claim quota now or in the future from this area.

If Natives do try to catch Kahawai for commercial gain the Joint Management Team will immediately prosecute them by MoF or by the Maori interests or jointly.

The fish but in particular the Kahawai have special spiritual, cultural and historical significance to Ngati Pahauwera, Te Kawanga o Kahugnunu and Moeangiangi 42N owners.

One of the sub-tribes of Ngati Pahauwera is known as the "Kahawai tribe."

They claim descent from the Kahawai. They worshipped the Kahawai as a god. A religion developed around the Kahawai. They did not do anything that would invoke the anger of the Kahawai God. They have a special cliff called the "Cliff of the Kahawai" where they worshipped at the [1]"Temple of the Kahawai." The cliff face had the image of the Kahawai on it and can be seen from the Sea. This sub-tribe would have human sacrifices to ensure the purity and blessing of the Kahawai God and his Goddesses. The High Priests carried this out. This would bring Good fortune on the tribe and the descendants for the year.

Ngati Pahauwera had over 140 sub-tribes.

We propose that a joint Management plan be negotiated and be seen as a blue print for the rest of New Zealand.

The local Natives will monitor it and with help from MoF bring in a strategic Plan to help manage the Fishery.

Yours faithfully

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[1] The Secret History of Ngati Pahauwera