This article was originally
written for the New Zealand Fishing News December 2008 edition.
Localised
fisheries management in the northern Bay of Islands is a
step closer to reality after a positive meeting to discuss
mataitai plans.
Around 35 people
assembled at Whitiora Marae, Kerikeri in the first week
of October to learn about the application by local Maori
to establish a mataitai reserve.
Local
kaitiaki/guardians want to have more meaningful input into
strategies that aim to:
Increase fish abundance;
Provide a healthier marine environment; and
Give effect to their customary right to manage areas of
traditional importance.
Judah Heihei is
both the co-chairman of the Hokianga Accord and the leader
of Te Roopu Kaitiaki Whakature I Nga Taonga o Tangaroa.
This group represents
fourteen hapu/marae with an interest in the area from the
Purerua Peninsula (inside Mangonui Inlet) out to the Black
Rocks and north past the Ninepin to Takou Bay.
“Before the hui we were a little
concerned about what sort of reception we were going to
get.
"So it was
pleasing for our kaitiaki to receive such an encouraging
response,” said Judah.
Judah
Heihei (top centre)
“Often when
people hear the word reserve they get ‘up in arms’.
Once they learn this is not a marine reserve but an opportunity
for locals to determine future fisheries management in a
particular area, they are far more accepting of the plans.”
These kaitiaki had tried in vain to implement marine protection
and fisheries enhancement measures over the past twelve
years. They were pleased the Ministry of Fisheries was finally
giving their mataitai application serious consideration.
Local kaitiaki assured the gathering that amateur fishers
would still have access to fish in the area. Any new fisheries
bylaws would be fully consulted on in the future. The most
noticeable, immediate impact would be the prohibition of
commercial fishing from within the mataitai boundaries.
Another
kaitiaki, Hiwi Rihari, said it was disappointing only one
of the ten objectors to the mataitai proposal attended the
meeting.
“While the local commercial fisherman has genuine concerns
it was now up to the Ministry of Fisheries to work with our
kaitiaki to try and address those matters.”
A further meeting with MFish, the commercial fisher and kaitiaki
is expected in early November.
The next step in the MFish mataitai establishment process
is to ask for written submissions from people who either have
a fishing interest in any of the stocks within the proposed
mataitai boundary and whose ability to harvest maybe affected
by the establishment of a mataitai.
After such a long
process Judah and his kaitiaki are keen for an efficient
submission process and timely Ministry advice to the Minister
so a final decision can be made on the mataitai application.
Given that there is:
Limited (so far) opposition to the mataitai from commercial
fishers;
No
immediate impact on amateur fishers; and
The
Crown’s ongoing obligation to recognise and provide
for Maori customary food gathering and practices;
the Hokianga Accord is supportive and will be watching this
process with interest.
Judah
Heihei (top centre)