More
good news!
Kahawai Challenge team
November
2007
|
Kahawai
Legal Challenge Update New Zealand Fishing News
December 2007
edition |
|
| Two recent
developments are worth celebrating. |
| The
NZ Big Game Fishing Council (NZBGFC) has decided to levy
each of its 32,000 members $3 to underwrite the Kahawai
Legal Challenge Appeal Court proceedings.
Unanimous
support was also given at their recent Annual General Meeting
to increase the affiliation fees by $3 per member to empower
the Council to continue its advocacy role in fisheries management
and the ongoing rights debate. |
|
High
Court ruling
Both
the Minister and Ministry of Fisheries have previously advised
they accept the High Court’s ruling in favour of the Challenge.
The March judgment was an historic win for all New Zealanders,
as Justice Harrison confirmed that sustainability of the fisheries
and people’s wellbeing were mandatory considerations in
fisheries management.
KLC
Appeal
Big corporate
fishing companies Sanford Limited, Sealord Group Limited and Pelagic
& Tuna NZ Limited have appealed the decision. The Wellington
hearing is planned for late February 2008.
Fundraising
Legal
fees are expected to be at least $80,000. Although this has been
underwritten by the NZBGFC fundraising is continuing as there
will be major costs associated with the public awareness campaign
leading up to the Appeal hearing.
Richard Baker, the newly elected NZBGFC President, is very appreciative
of the support from the Council’s 59 clubs.
“It’s inspiring to receive such overwhelming support
from our membership.”
“Past President, Jeff Romeril is acknowledged for his role
in ensuring the succcess of the fundraising campaign. His leadership
was pivotal. The public of New Zealand are privileged to have
such committed defenders of their right to fish for food,”
said Richard.
The NZBGFC is also grateful for the continued support of other
non-commercial fishing representatives and Maori groups. option4
has recently raised over $10,000 to assist the appeal. The NZ
Recreational Fishing Council announced it has secured $2,500 as
a contribution towards the legal representation costs.
Advocacy
for the fishing public
The increased
affiliation fees will give the NZBGFC vital funds to continue
actively participating in fisheries decision-making processes,
marine protection and rights-based discussions. The NZBGFC has
plenty to contribute to the various debates.
Baker said: “Resolving the rights debate is the ‘Holy
Grail’ of fisheries advocacy. After years of working with
other organisations and now the Hokianga Accord, the mid north
iwi fisheries forum, it feels like we are making progress.
“The High Court clarified that every man, woman and child
in this country has a well setttled common law right to fish.
In addition, Justice Harrison said that right is particularly
valuable because of our climate and access to the sea.”
Many of the important inshore fisheries are not being managed
according to the legislation, at or above a level that can produce
maximum sustainable yield.
Hesketh Henry Lawyers will be working through the traditional
summer break to prepare for the February hearing. Defending the
public’s interest in fishing has become a passion for the
legal team too.
Visit www.kahawai.co.nz or call the $20
donation line on 0900 KAHAWAI (0900 52 42 92) to give your support.
