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Defending
Our Kiwi Way of Life
Kahawai Challenge team
April
2008
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Kahawai
Legal Challenge Update New Zealand Fishing News
May
2008 edition |
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| There
is nothing more ‘kiwi’ than lighting the fire
in the backyard smoker and watching the previous day’s
catch as it is cooking.
The
smell of burning manuka with the hint of citrus leaves invariably
attracts close neighbours and family.
Even
the not-often-seen people from across the road are drawn
to the sight and smell of smoke as it wafts around the neighbourhood.
As
the hours pass the anticipation of eating freshly caught
and smoked kahawai, mullet or snapper increases.
And
the opportunity for everyone to be present at the obligatory
‘tasting’ sessions throughout the cooking process
is a joy to share.
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How
then have we as New Zealanders reached a point where our
lifestyle is being constrained by the need to supply the
Australian crayfish market with bait? |
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Why
are we using our very precious kahawai to supplement overseas
bait supplies when kiwi families are struggling to catch
a reasonable number of fish to feed their whanau?
Since 2005 commercial fishermen have earned 43 cents per
kilo of kahawai landed.
Of more significance
is that more than half the kahawai caught commercially
is exported for $1.08 per kilo!
There is no comparison between the
export value and the wellbeing derived
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the kids catch their first fish, excitedly take it home
to cook and feed the family. |
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is priceless. |
These
and similar traditions are what the Kahawai Legal Challenge team
have been trying to preserve throughout the two-plus years of
legal action and appeal process.
It has been heartening for the team to receive letters of support
from older folk who remember ‘the good old days’ when
kahawai were prolific, in some cases a nuisance, but very often
a staple part of the family diet.
Whatever consideration was given to kahawai they were always a
reliable source of bait and far superior, and more affordable,
than the boxed baits sold in dairies and service stations.
These historic factors were all part of the overall discussions
during the High Court challenge to the Minister of Fisheries’
2004 and 2005 allocation decisions for kahawai.
The
High Court’s subsequent ruling in March 2007 supported many
of the arguments put forward by the NZ Big Game and Recreational
Fishing Councils.
Less than a month
later commercial fishers challenged the High Court ruling and
an appeal was scheduled for the end of February 2008.
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Appeal
hearing
The
recent two-day Wellington Appeal Court hearing was fully
utilised by the legal teams representing commercial fishers,
Crown Law
(on behalf of the Minister and Ministry of Fisheries) and
Alan Galbraith QC for amateur fishing interests.
The
three judges are now considering their response and all
parties eagerly await their decision.
Legal
arguments aside, the wellbeing derived from a few humble
kahawai and the opportunity to share fresh, hot smoked fish
with family and neighbours is immeasurable. |
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It is a tradition
we want to share with our children and their future families.
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It
is an integral part of our Kiwi way of life. |
Protecting
your fishing rights
Your
ongoing access to kahawai, snapper, blue cod, kingfish, crayfish
and paua could all be influenced by the outcome of the Appeal.
If you want to contribute to the defence please:
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Dial 0900 KAHAWAI (0900 52 42 92) to automatically donate $20
via your phone account
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Contact Jo Harris on 0800 KAHAWAI (0800 52 42 92) for larger
amounts.
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Cheques
to the ‘Kahawai Challenge Fund’ can be sent to New
Zealand Fishing News, PO Box 12-965, Penrose, Auckland.
Thank
you to all previous contributors, the team appreciates your ongoing
support.
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