This is a letter written by Trish Rea from option4 to the editor of the Barrier Bulletin, 11th June 2003.

Dear Kevin
I was privileged to be able to attend all three public meetings on Great Barrier Island regarding the DoC proposal for a marine reserve. As a representative of option4 it was interesting to hear the views of the locals from both ends of the island regarding the reserve.

option4 formed three years ago when the Ministry of Fisheries tried to reform the management of our fisheries and make the non-commercial sector, those fishing for food, part of a proportional system. To be a minor shareholder in a commercial fishery was not acceptable, nor was licensing. The ability of people to go fishing for food, family and sustenance has priority over all else apart from customary Maori take.

In this process, called Soundings, there were three options put up for discussion. A group of concerned individuals including Paul Barnes, Bill Cooke, Scott Macindoe (a local landowner), NZ Fishing News editor Grant Dixon, and others from around the country all saw the move from government as an attempt to deny us the right to feed ourselves. So the group put together their own solution to the issue and formed a group, collectively called option4.

Since then option4 has been actively attempting to alter the course of MFish, who seem intent on going down the same path of privatising our fishery. It has taken three years to get to where we are now, and make take a few more yet.

option4 is not against marine reserves in principle, but in the right place and for the right reasons. We have major concerns with the process adopted by DoC for this proposal. The lack of consultation with the locals and on the mainland is a huge worry. The concern is the islanders know the truth, but those on the mainland only have the glossy brochure from DoC to read before sending in their submission, that’s why we need meetings on the mainland so people get to know the truth. At the end of the day numbers do count and we want them to represent the true feeling of the public. It was heartening to hear Jim Flack say at the Fitzroy meeting “ if you get 1000 people in Auckland that think it’s a great idea and 500 people here who think it’s a bad idea, will it go ahead? The answer is no, probably not in that form. Your word counts for a lot more than someone who doesn’t use the area.” Let’s hope DoC stick to their word on that one, somehow I have my doubts.

Some islanders may feel that option4 don’t have a place in this argument but option4 could not stand by and watch DoC conduct such poor consultation and a process with such little scientific research to support their proposal. This is the biggest marine reserve ever proposed for NZ, its outrageous they make such claims as having consulted with you for the past decade, and the islanders are supportive. It certainly wasn’t what I witnessed at any of the meetings and with talking with many of the locals since. We all want to maintain our right to go fishing whether it’s off the rocks, in a dinghy or out wide. If we are going to give away our rights, and the rights of future generations, we need to make sure we are doing the right thing, the least DoC can do is be honest with you.

Regards
Trish Rea
option4