Kahawai Updates

Kahawai Challenge Update #54

A dwindling bunch of bottom feeders

Final Kahawai Legal Challenge Update - We need abundance of kahawai for conservation and sustenance.............

Nov 2009

Kahawai Challenge Update #53

The silver lining of the Kahawai Challenge

Some of the most encouraging outcomes of the Kahawai Legal Challenge have been the new relationships forged during the proceedings and the clarity provided by the Courts about allocation.........

Kahawai Challenge Update #52

Good news for Kahawai Challenge

Thanks to the vision and generosity of New Zealand Fishing News readers the Challenge team are slowing gnawing away at the Kahawai Fund deficit........

Kahawai Challenge Update #51

More fish in the water or corporate profits?

It has been interesting to read the different reactions to the Supreme Court's judgment of the kahawai appeal brought by the New Zealand Big Game and Recreational Fishing Councils...............

Kahawai Challenge Update #50

Supreme Court ruling sets scene for 2010 kahawai decisions

After four years of successive court hearings the Supreme Court, in dismissing the kahawai appeal brought by the New Zealand Big Game and Recreational Fishing Councils, has delivered what maybe termed a mixed bag........

Kahawai Challenge Update #49

Supreme Court decision - a loss for non-commercial fishing interests

The Supreme Court kahawai appeal brought by the New Zealand Big Game and Recreational Fishing Councils has been dismissed by a majority decision delivered on May 28th................

Kahawai Challenge Update #48

Kahawai Challenge an expensive battle

The Kahawai Legal Challenge has been a five-year battle to defend the right of every man, woman and child to fish for food in the sea......

Kahawai Challenge Update #47

Skewed priorities in kahawai management

Late summer runs of kahawai can provide an exciting day's fishing so it is encouraging to hear that some people have been enjoying recent opportunities to test their angling skills and take home a few for the smoker.........

Kahawai Challenge Update #46

The much-anticipated hearing completed

The much-anticipated Kahawai appeal was heard in the Supreme Court, Wellington, on Thursday 12th February. A decision from the five judges is not expected for several months............

Kahawai Challenge Update #45

Now the waiting begins

By the time you read this update the Kahawai Legal Challenge the Supreme Court appeal hearing will have been heard. Now it's a matter of waiting for the five learned judges to deliver their decision, which could take several months..............

Kahawai Challenge Update #44

Golden summers and more fish

Preparation of the Kahawai Legal Challenge appeal case to be heard in the Supreme Court at Wellington on 12 February is well underway................

Kahawai Challenge Update #43

A big climax expected to kahawai proceedings

The Kahawai Legal Challenge team are celebrating the lodging of legal submissions in advance of the Supreme Court hearing, scheduled for February 12th 2009...........

Kahawai Challenge Update #42

Anticipation builds as Supreme Court hearing nears

The Supreme Court has allowed the Kahawai Legal Challenge team's leave application to challenge some aspects of the 2008 Appeal Court's decision......

Kahawai Challenge Update #41

Godzone to Gonezone?

Living in 'Godzone' has many advantages: one of which is the common law right to go down to the sea and catch fish......................

Kahawai Challenge Update #40

Purse seines and spotter planes

It's not surprising that the deployment of purse seiners and even spotter planes became the norm for a handful of commercial fishers hunting catch history......

Kahawai Challenge Update #39

Three years of Kahawai Challenge

By August 27th the Olympic Games will be a memory and we will either be basking in the glory of our fine athletes' achievements or dreaming of what could have been. For the Kahawai Challenge team the action continues..........

Kahawai Challenge Update #38

Kahawai application made to the Supreme Court

On July 9th the Kahawai Legal Challenge team lodged an application with the Supreme Court challenging some aspects of the recently released Appeal Court ruling. There is no automatic right to appeal so...........

Kahawai Challenge Update #37

Non-commercial fishing interests come first, commercial last

The Court of Appeal has confirmed that the Minister of Fisheries must first allow for the non-commercial fishing interests of Maori customary and recreational fishers before he sets the commercial catch limit in any fishery...........

Kahawai Challenge Update #36

Future fishing investment

From the first meeting in 2004 until now as we await the Appeal Court decision one debate has been nullified, kahawai are truly the people's fish...........

Kahawai Challenge Update #35

A time for reflection

As summer fades and another ANZAC day passes it is timely to reflect on what the Kahawai Legal Challenge was about, what it sought to achieve and………...

Kahawai Challenge Update #34

Defending our way of life

There is nothing more 'kiwi' than lighting the fire in the backyard smoker and watching the previous day's catch as it is cooking............

Kahawai Challenge Update #33

Appeal Court Challenge Brings Enthusiastic Support

It was a boost for the team returning from Wellington's Appeal Court hearing to learn that several notable contributions have been received..................

Kahawai Challenge Update #32

The real test of sustainability

When was the last time you caught four kahawai in a day?

Surveys have proven this is a rare event for people fishing between North Cape and East Cape...............

Kahawai Challenge Update #31

Day of reckoning near

One month out from the Appeal Court hearing and support for the defence of the High Court kahawai decision is encouraging the team to continue.

Kahawai Challenge Update #30

Maintaining fishing access for future generations

Support for the KLC team is encouraging. Contributions are being received from around the country, including Wellington.

Kahawai Challenge Update #29

More good news!

Two recent developments are worth celebrating. Unanimous support from the NZ Big Game Fishing Council club's has enabled the Council to underwrite the 2008 Kahawai Legal Challenge appeal.

Kahawai Challenge Update #28

As committed as ever

As we count down to the February 2008 Appeal Court hearing the NZ Big Game Fishing Council are committed to defending, on behalf of all New Zealanders, the appeal by commercial fishers........

Kahawai Challenge Update #27

Minister Protected from Industry Claims

It has become obvious that the High Court ruling offers the Minister of Fisheries far more protection from fishing industry claims than was first realised.......

Kahawai Challenge Update #26 - Good news!

Welcome news for Kahawai Challenge supporters - the Minister of Fisheries has accepted the High Court's judgment made in March 2007.

Kahawai Challenge Update #25

Industry Appeal, Ministry applies for a stay - business as usual

News of the fishing industry's move to appeal the High Court ruling on kahawai has certainly fired up a lot of people. The Kahawai Legal Challenge team is inspired by the commitment to protect the historic High Court judgment......

Kahawai Challenge Update #24 - Industry Appeal Against Public's Win

Legal action continues as the fishing industry has decided to appeal against the High Court decision for kahawai. The fishing councils representing recreational fishers have since filed a cross appeal. Find out what all this means here.......

NZFW Update - Kahawai Decision - Historic Win

To the public of New Zealand who like to fish in the marine environment its time to celebrate, this is a historic outcome and one that will have major affect on future allocations decisions for kahawai and other species.

Kahawai Challenge Update #23 - Kahawai Decision - Sweet Success

The common law right of the public to fish has been recognised by the judiciary in a landmark High Court decision by Justice Rhys Harrison.

Kahawai Challenge Update #22 - High Court Decision Pending

Anticipation was high that the High Court judgment would be released in February. However, we understand that the issues are complex and the team now expect the ruling to be available in March.

Kahawai Challenge Update #21 - High Court Hearing Complete

On Monday 11th December 2006 the legal team engaged by the NZBGFC and the NZRFC summed up the case.  Read more here >> >>

Jan 2007

Kahawai Challenge Update #20 - Challenging week in the High Court

After much anticipation the Kahawai Legal Challenge case proceeded in the Auckland High Court in the week of 6 November. To understand developments since then go here >> >>

Kahawai Challenge Update #19 - Kahawai Legal Challenge Flyer

Print this flyer and find out why the Kahawai Legal Challenge is so important to your fishing heritage and future.

Kahawai Challenge Update #18 - What's the Case About?

Why the Kahawai Legal Challenge is so important to other species such as snapper, crayfish, paua, kingfish, blue cod, mullet, flounder and shellfish.

Kahawai Challenge Update #17 - Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

An overview of the current situation regarding the Legal Challenge.

Case Delayed but not Derailed

The Kahawai Legal Challenge has been delayed due to a lack of evidence from the Crown and late response from commercial fishers. The team are determined these delays will not derail the process.

Kahawai Challenge Update #15 - Countdown to High Court Case

The countdown to the Kahawai Legal Challenge is underway and everyone is looking forward to "more fish in the sea". Get the full details here ............

Chesters Fishing Contest

A day at the Chesters fishing contest raising funds for the Kahawai Legal Challenge.

Mar 2006

NZFW Update - Trial Ahead for Recreational Fishers

The test case to clarify what our fishing interests are, is looming. The fishing councils, option4 and Ngapuhi are hoping for fairer fisheries decisions in the future.

Feb 2006

NZBGFC News - Kahawai Major News

The fundraising campaign to support the legal challenge continues as costs continue to rise.

Kahawai Challenge Update #14 - Christmas Update

A big thanks to the fundraisers and a lucky draw prize list. Did you win?

Kahawai Challenge Update #13

Proportional Allocation - The simple truth. An explanation of what proportional allocation really means to recreational fishermen.

Kahawai Challenge Update #12

Kahawai Legal Challenge is the only hope for recreational fishers to get a fair deal! Read why here........

Kahawai Challenge Update #11 - High Court Proceedings Filed

Judicial review proceedings have been lodged in the Auckland High Court challenging the Ministers kahawai decisions......

Kahawai Challenge Update #10 - Thanks to all Supporters

The fundraising campaign to back up the Kahawai Legal Challenge has been well supported in July. More details here.......

Kahawai Challenge Update #9 - Commonsense Needed in Fisheries

More Ministry of Fisheries proposals that give preference to commercial fishers while constraining recreational fishing.

NZBGFC News - Kahawai Legal Case

The outcome of this legal challenge is likely to have wide impacts for the other important species. Check out the latest news from the NZ Big Game Fishing Council here....

Kahawai Challenge Update #8 - What's the Problem?

While the recent fleeting runs of large kahawai have given us some joyous moments they are merely reminders of what this fishery used to be like all summer long - reminders of what we have lost.

Kahawai Challenge Update #7 - Benson-Pope's Biggest Blunder.

Why we are going to Court and how we got to this point.

Kahawai Challenge Update #6 - The Legal Challenge is tracking well. Your support has been great and the team update you on what's happening next...

Kahawai Challenge Update #5 - Kahawai Challenge Making Headway

The legal Challenge is on track with the Statement of Claim due to be filed any day.....

option4 Update # 53 - Meritorious

The meritorious effort by the Chesters Plumbing crew at their annual fishing contest to support the Kahawai Legal Challenge.

NZBGFC News - Challenge Progress

The Kahawai Legal Challenge is in full swing and the country is rallying in support.

Kahawai Challenge Update #4 - Kahawai Challenge Needs You

We have a range of roles that need to be filled and you can make a difference by getting involved.

option4 Update # 52 - Stand and Fight or Kahawai is off the Menu

The campaign to support the Kahawai Legal Challenge is underway – it will only succeed if you commit and become actively involved.

Kahawai Challenge Update #3 - Kahawai Privatised

New Zealand's second most important recreational fishery has been privatised.

option4 Update # 49 - Kahawai Legal Challenge

The Kahawai Legal Challenge is an investment in our future.

Kahawai Challenge Update #2 - Kahawai - Stand and Fight

Stand and Fight against the injustice of the kahawai decisions or lose another freedom - the ability to fish for food and feed your family.

Kahawai Challenge Update #1 - Minister in Court over Kahawai

The Minister's kahawai decisions have ignited intense debate amongst recreational fishers...

option4 Update # 46 - Who's Saying What?

Different perspectives on the "peoples fish".

option4 Update # 45 - Big Issues - Kahawai and the Foreshore

The Minister has made his decision to reduce kahawai take by 15%. What does this mean?

option4 Update # 44 - Private or public foreshore

A look at the foreshore and seabed issue and an update on what is happening with kahawai. Count down to decision day....

option4 Update # 42 - A Ministry out of control?

option4 questions MFish advice on other species including swordfish, tuna and sharks. United Future asks the Minister "what's your plan?"

option4 Update # 41 - Kahawai and big game submissions

NZBGFC produced outstanding submissions on broadbill swordfish, sharks and yellowfin tuna. A worthwhile effort on behalf of all non-commercial fishers and in the interests of the fisheries.

option4 Update # 40 - Kahawai - Our Fish - Our People

This is about the interests of one million kiwis vs a handful of purse seine vessels.......

Mar 2004

option4 Update # 39 - Kahawai – Ministry claim “no scarcity”

Kahawai are entering the Quota system with limited input from the public and Ministry is saying there is no scarcity of kahawai?