Support for campaign to link Maori to Iwi

The newsletter of the Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commission
Issue No. 72 ~ APRIL 2004
Support for campaign to link Maori to Iwi
Te Ohu Kai Moana is a major supporter
of a new campaign connecting
individuals to their Iwi.
TUHONO IS a centralised Iwi affiliation service
which will seek the consent of 360,000
registered Maori voters to allow their electoral
details to be used to link, confirm and update
registration with their Iwi.
Te Ohu Kai Moana is helping to fund the
establishment and operation of Tuhono over
the next two years and already provides a free
Iwi Helpline which has helped link thousands of
Maori to their Iwi.
Te Ohu Kai Moana Chairman Shane Jones said
the Tuhono service will have a significant impact on
the ability of Iwi organisations to be representative
and accountable to their descendants.
“With the settling of Treaty of Waitangi claims
and the re-distribution of those settlement assets
back to Iwi organisations, it is critical that each
Iwi authority has a strong and well-informed
constituency.
“With the Maori Fisheries Bill now before
Parliament, it is timely that such a cost effective
means of building Iwi registers and Iwi capacity
has been launched.
“The Commission recognizes 58 Iwi organisations
for the purposes of allocation and for many of
them, building Iwi registers will be a significant
challenge. For example, Ngapuhi—with a
population of 107,000 at the last census—need to
amass over 11,000 registrations.
“The Commission will continue to do whatever
it can to fully support Tuhono—as should all
of those who have an interest in ensuring the
benefits of treaty settlements flow back to all
Maori,” Shane said.
An information pack about Tuhono has
already been received by most Maori voters while
the main mail-out of a consent and affiliation
form takes place from May 3. More information
about Tuhono is available from the website at
www.maori.org.nz
The 0800 Iwi Helpline is still available and will
now become a complimentary service to the
Tuhono campaign.
e
I
id
s
n
TUHONO SUPPORTER: All Black Kees Meuws is putting his muscle behind the Tuhono campaign.
TUHONO—THE PURPOSE
• Tuhono links individual Maori to their Iwi
group.
• Tuhono promotes good governance,
accountability and enables Maori to meet
the challenges of the modern world.
• Tuhono is a centralised Iwi affiliation
service which collects electoral information
of consenting Maori voters, then forwards it
to the voter’s identified Iwi organisations.
• Tuhono is the most cost effective and
efficient way for Maori to register with their
Iwi.
• Tuhono enables Maori to participate in
their cultural, social and economic future.
• Tuhono is not a government agency—it is
run by Maori for Maori.
TUHONO—THE PROCESS
• The consent process will be conducted
through a series of mail-outs to all eligible
voters of Maori descent, by the Chief
Registrar of Electors during April and May
2004. A nationwide multi-media information
campaign to alert Maori to the initiative will
take place during this time.
Continued on back page
New CEO at Te Ohu Kai Moana .................2
Organic mussel venture sets world pace ...........5
Maori fishing traditons recognised ....................8
Iwi make the most of allocation ..............3
Decision soon on Akaroa taiapaure ....................6
Scholar takes diploma home to Mahia ..............9
New boat for Ngati Koata ..........................4
Seabed and foreshore debate continues ...........7
TACC changes pose threat to Sealord ............. 10
Moves to combat paua poaching..............4
Annual report summarised ...................................8
The race, the new baby and the Big OE ..........11
1 TANGAROA
EDITORIAL
BY CEO ROBIN HAPI
New CEO heads
Te Ohu Kai Moana
Moving forward to exciting times
SINCE UNDERTAKING THE role of
Chief Executive of the Commission
over a decade ago not one single
year has gone by without some new
and exciting challenges emerging.
At the beginning most of
our attention was focussed on
establishing a firm foundation for
the Commission. We needed to
ensure that robust processes and
systems were put in place to protect
the assets we were entrusted with
and work in a way that facilitated
the entry of Maori into the business
and activity of fishing.
What we went through at the start-up of the Commission is very similar
to the challenges we are now confronted with in establishing the new Te
Ohu Kai Moana and setting up Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd (AFL). The task in
front of us is made all the more challenging because of the expectations
that we all have of the benefits that will emerge from allocation and the
establishment of AFL.
The new CEO for the Commission is Peter Douglas. He has been appointed
and will be taking up his position from May 3, 2004. Peter will be responsible
for implementing many of the requirements in the Maori Fisheries Bill which
will be no small task.
I will move over to lead Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd (AFL). This company will
be charged with managing a considerable portfolio of commercial fishing
assets for all Maori. Its primary focus will be on increasing shareholder value
in a way that maximises returns to Iwi and therefore ultimately benefits all
Maori. It will be a considerable challenge.
The expectations of Iwi and the Commission are high. The current industry
environment also provides an added complication. The exchange rate,
commodity prices, compliance costs and an industry in need of rationalisation
are all factors that must be managed to ensure the sustainability and growth
of AFL in the New Zealand fishing industry.
With this in mind it is going to be important for AFL to work closely with
Iwi as we forge out a new level of involvement in the fishing industry. I
believe that we can achieve this together and I look forward to an active
engagement with Iwi as we develop Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd and enhance the
role of Iwi and Maori in the business and activity of fishing.
Finally, I want to thank all those who I have had the pleasure of meeting
and working with over the years as CEO of the Commission and I look forward
to maintaining those relationships and friendships as we now move forward
into the exciting times ahead.
TANGAROA 2
PETER DOUGLAS (above) has been appointed the Chief
Executive Officer to lead a post-allocation Te Ohu Kai
Moana.
Currently the principal Maori adviser at the Ministry of
Social Development, Peter (Ngati Maniapoto) takes over from
Robin Hapi, who has been appointed CEO of Aotearoa Fisheries
Limited (AFL).
Under the Commission’s proposals for allocation before
Parliament, the existing Fisheries Commission is split into two
distinct entities—the new Te Ohu Kai Moana, as the successor
to the Commission, and AFL, a commercial enterprise that will
provide a vehicle for Maori to leverage presence and influence
within the fishing industry.
The Deputy Chairman of the Commission and member of
the Appointments Panel, Craig Ellison says that the new CEO’s
appointment was critical to the successful allocation and future
protection of the Maori commercial fisheries settlement.
“The new Te Ohu Kai Moana will primarily be responsible
to Iwi and the wider Maori community, but will also need to
manage successful relations with the Crown in the future as
we work to protect the value and integrity of the settlement.
Peter has an excellent understanding of Maori issues, strong
reporting and advisory capabilities, and experience in policy
development in Government at the highest levels.
“The Commission believes Peter has the insight and ability
to manage the new strategic direction of Te Ohu Kai Moana
into the future for the benefit of all Maori.”
Peter has worked in the both the public and private sectors
including his current position at the Social Development
Ministry, General Manager Maori Strategy at the Department
of Child Youth and Family and a Senior Manager in business
banking at Westpac Bank. He was an adviser in the Department
of Prime Minister and Cabinet from 1990 to 1995, including
during the time of the 1992 Fisheries Settlement. He holds a
Bachelors degree in Social Science from Waikato University
and a Masters degree in Public Administration from Harvard
University in the United States.
Peter has been the chairman since 1997, of the Ruapuha
Uekaha Hapu Trust, which is the principal owner of the Glow
Worm Caves, in Waitomo. He has lectured in business studies
at Te Wananga o Raukawa from 1996 – 2000.
Waikanae Iwi make the most of allocation
years in Christchurch, he headed home and is
investing in the future through training its
ATI AWA KI Whakarongotai (Waikanae) may
now firmly anchored there.
people,
and
sitting
down
face-to-face
with
Te
be one of the smallest Iwi in line for fisheries
“It’s a good feeling to get amongst your
Ohu
Kai
Moana
“to
do
what
we
have
to
do”.
allocation but the tribe’s determined to
people.”
He
said
the
iwi
readiness
team
from
Te
Ohu
make the most of its assets.
While down south Damian was able
Kaimoana has been a huge help, and there are
Damian Parata has been a director of the Iwi
to
observe Ngai Tahu’s progress in Iwi
advantages
to
being
small.
fishing company for more than five years and
development
and that experience has helped
“We
often
only
need
to
run
one
or
two
hui
said it seems the fisheries allocation has always
been on the agenda.
Now, as allocation of the
valuable asset draws near, the
Iwi is working hard to prepare
itself. Numbers have proved
all important as Te Ohu Kai
Moana has based the size of
each allocation on figures from
the latest census. Te Runanga
o Ati Awa ki Whakarongotai
Inc reckons it has more than
4000 members but the census
shows only 496. Damien says
the discrepancy is due to the
census form not providing the
appropriate environment for
Maori to properly state their
affiliations. There are others
who agree the census figures are
muddled but so far no resolution
has been reached to remedy the
discrepancy.
“We as Ati Awa see ourselves
READY TO GO: Ati Awa Ki Whakarongotai is one of Aotearoa's smallest Iwi but is making the most of allocation by
as one Iwi with a discontinuous investing in the future through training its people and “doing what we have to do.”
coastline.”
Damien says the census figures have meant
him back in Waikanae.
to get things done. We can deliver our kaupapa
the tribe’s existing wet fish package is slashed
With customary rights, and the foreshore
at one hui, and get it ratified at the next. Our
by half leaving 240 tonne.
and seabed under threat, Damian believes
people are quite interested. We’re constantly
“Given that we’re one of the smaller Iwi,
securing the tribe’s entitlements is the only way
probed on how things are going. Our people’s
we’ve had a bit of a rough ride. We’re down
forward. He says providing the economic base
decisions are as good as the information they
to 13 kilograms of kina quota and butterfish.
for Whakarongotai to foster their ambitions is
receive, so we ensure they are best informed.”
There’s not much we can do with that.”
the immediate goal.
He says the hardest part of the process was
However, Damian believes the elected
“Concern for our mokopuna always comes
drawing up a new constitution.
directors have good reason to push on.
up in conversation. It’s for the future. We
“It’s taken four-and-a-half years to draft
“Part of our mission statement at the runanga
don’t want our kids to have to go through
but has finally been accepted. One of the most
is to advance our material wealth through the
what we’re doing. Ati Awa ki Whakarongotai
contentious issues was defining Iwi membership
development of our commercial assets. Our land
is in the minimum bracket on the allocation
in determining who was eligible to vote.”
is fast running out here through urbanisation.
scale which means the tribe will be “at least
Damian explains the changes meant
There are lots of external pressures on the Iwi.
$1-million better off post-allocation”.
spouses who had given years of support to
For the survival of our people we need to look
Damian said the directors expect the asset
the marae found they couldn’t vote to elect
back to our tupuna and see what they achieved
management company to sit tight and save
representatives.
and what they struggled to retain. That’s the
for a couple of years, investing carefully to
“But as tangata whenua we need to be
fuel in our engine.”
build the asset while rationalising the quota
taking responsibility. We need to be running
In recent times the Waikanae Iwi has been
package. “We don’t expect immediate change
our affairs.”
more of a “quota broker” than a fishing
but we do expect to provide a platform for us
On the other hand, the new constitution
operator, managing its quota by tendering to
to build on.”
makes provision for non-Iwi members to be
a diverse range of fishing interests. Customary,
Meanwhile, Senior Policy Analyst Louis Te
elected to represent them.
compliance and aquaculture courses have been
Kani, from Te Ohu Kai Moana's iwi readiness
“The reality is we’re thin on the ground. Only
organised for the people through the Seafood
team, says it has done its best to help the
a third of our people live in the area. Two thirds
Industry Training Organisation and these have
Iwi clear the hurdles to allocation. While
are spread around the country and overseas as
been well-attended.
governance and coastline issues remain, Louis
far away as Australia and England.”
Damian believes Whakarongotai is a good
says Ati Awa ki Whakarongotai has made good
Damian, 34, was schooled in Australia but
example of a small Iwi doing the best it can,
progress.
returned to serve in the NZ Army. After a few
3 TANGAROA
Restructuring paua industry could combat poaching
the problem. The Ministry of Fisheries estimates
more than 926 tonne of paua is taken illegally
every year, only 200 tonne short of the Total
Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC).
Te Ohu Kai Moana Fisheries Management
Analyst and working group member, Alan
Riwaka, says the industry needs to get smarter
in how they deal with poaching. “Maybe it’s
Ngati Koata rebuilds 1940s trawler
Photo courtesy of the Sealord Group Ltd
A NEWLY-FORMED Paua Industry Council
will give its members a more effective voice
and greater participation. After a round
of consultation hui the paua industry
unanimously agreed to the restructuring.
One of the major threats facing the industry
is poaching and it’s expected that a united
industry will be better prepared to help combat
Photo courtesy of the Nelson Mail
INDUSTRY THREATENED: These paua have been
harvested legally but over 900 tonne of paua are
poached each year.
RELAUNCHED: Kaumatua Ngarau Tupaea blesses Kawharu as it is lowered into Nelson Harbour.
Matt Hippolite (centre) and Martin Elkington are on the foredeck.
NGATI KOATA OF the Nelson region has
proudly added another vessel to its fishing
operations—a 62-year-old, 15 metre boat
completely rebuilt from scratch.
Kawharu was launched earlier this year and
will join Te Ruruku and Kelvic, two trawlers,
as part of Te Kawau a Toru Developments, a
subsidiary of Ngati Koata Trust.
Ngati Koata Trust Chairman Priscilla
Paul says Kawharu was originally known as
Norman Mcleod.
Built in 1942, Ngati Koata purchased it as
part of package deal along with a fisheries
processing plant and a retail outlet in New
Plymouth.
The reconstruction took 18 months and
was undertaken by Challenge Fit. Back
in the 1940s the boat was once used for
trawling but will now be used for bottom
line fishing.
Director of Te Kawau a Toru Developments Jim Elkington says the company takes
its name from an ancestor Toru, who owned
a shag or kawau used to navigate the great
ancestor Kupe’s canoe through Te Aumiti, the
French Pass.
Jim also said the boat was renamed
Kawharu after an ancestor who originated
from Raglan and who also came down in
TANGAROA 4
the ‘heke’ or migration with others in the
1800s settling in the Nelson region. Similiarly,
their boat Te Ruruku is also named after an
ancestor.
The purchase is not only a business
venture for Ngati Koata. It also has special
significance as it has enabled the tribe to
renew its links with its past.
Jim said they made a special visit to New
Plymouth where the processing plant and
retail outlet are based to rekindle their
ancestral ties with Ngati Te Whiti.
Ngati Koata’s connections to Raglan also
remain strong today, and that is where the Iwi
took the Kawharu to undergo sea trials.
The return coincided with the wedding of
one of the late Eva Rickards mokopuna who
carries the same tupuna name as the fishing
vessel, Kawharu.
Jim said it was an historic occasion and not
only did the boat trial well, but its namesake
Kawharu took the boat for a cruise in the
Raglan harbour.
Kawharu is also licensed for tourism ventures and during the down season will take
passengers on sea excursions.
Kawharu will fish mainly between Nelson
and New Plymouth for species such as cod,
snapper and tarakihi.
high time the industry considered the option
of funding their own policing initiatives.
“While the Ministry of Fisheries has made
some progress recently the fact still remains
that paua poaching is a serious problem and
we can’t continue to wait for officials to come
up with all the solutions, unless of course we
want further cuts.”
Over the past three years, the TACC has
declined by over 200 tonnes. That is an
estimated loss of at least $70 million from
TACC cuts which equates to loss in excess of
$15 million to Maori quota owners.
“If we are not well-organised we can not be
proactive. We also face a number of potential
risks from proposed increases in the number
of marine reserves and protected areas and
pressure from recreational users.
“For Maori, it is important that these spatial
and resource allocation issues do not erode the
integrity of the Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries
Settlement Act. This applies to both commercial
and customary rights.”
Paua Industry Association chairman, Storm
Stanley, said the restructure would also be able
to take the initiative in crucial projects such
as reseeding.
The restructure will see the formation of five
regional groups that will be known as Paua
MACs (Management Area Councils). Their role
will be to deal with regional issues.
Each will also put forward a representative to
the national group, the Paua Industry Council.
The national council will provide these regional
groups with support and co-ordination.
It is hoped to have the new council up and
running by 1 October this year.
Organic mussel venture creates world benchmark
SEALORD LIMITED CHIEF EXECUTIVE Doug
McKay said the project, which had taken a
year to complete, was a great achievement by
the Sealord team.
“It wasn’t easy, despite the years we’d
spent running environmental monitoring
programmes. Two factors determine organic
status—environment and production management,” Doug said.
“All New Zealand Greenshell Mussels are
naturally grown and the farms are monitored
to ensure they meet stringent food safety
standards, that’s a given.
"But to attain organic certification, we
had to develop new methods to measure
environmental standards and prove our
production management was up to scratch.
“For example, environmental monitoring
involves detailed analysis of the catchment
areas feeding into mussel farming areas and
systems for ongoing surveillance.
“We had to demonstrate that production was
safe and sustainable and that we cared for the
welfare of the mussels by giving them adequate
space and handling them with consideration.
"We now comply with 11 standards and codes
of practice on our farms, some developed inhouse and some by the wider aquaculture and
fishing industry,” he said.
Years of data on the sustainability and
husbandry of mussels was an important factor
in achieving certification, while the systems
Sealord had evolved were the basis for a
comprehensive farm monitoring programme.
The programme, coupled with standards
and codes of practice that were developed
in partnership with New Zealand certifying
agency Bio-Gro, is a world first.
It involves detailed analysis of factors that
affect the waters surrounding a mussel farm,
a new code of practice for mussel health and
welfare, a 20 page checklist for quarterly
audits, and systems to continue improving its
farming practices and monitoring.
Doug said when Sealord embarked on the
organic certification project it chose to work
with Bio Gro because it has an established
international reputation and is accredited
to the International Federation of Organic
Agriculture Movements (IFOAM).
“We are delighted that Bio Gro intends to
present our model to IFOAM as a benchmark
for world standards for aquaculture.
Photos courtesy of the Sealord Group Ltd
SEALORD GREENSHELL Mussels have
been certified organic after the
company created a world benchmark
for organic mussel farming.
ORGANIC AQUACULTURE: New Zealand mussels grown by Sealord in a development partnership with
Bio-Gro have been given a world-recognised organic certification.
“We have also supported a North American
based initiative to qualify organics standards
for aquaculture through the University of
Minnesota-based Institute for Social, Economic
and Ecological Sustainability (ISEES).
"This Institute has been working for the
USDA National Organics Programme to define
organic standards for aquaculture and helped
us focus on what was possible.
“Our marketing teams monitor overseas
trends and one is the growing demand for
organic food in European and American
markets. One of the key things for us was the
ability to produce commercial quantities of
organic certified mussels.
"We have developed a system which gives us
that capability and which enables us to certify
more farms as and when required.”
Doug said that buyers in the United Kingdom
IN THE SHELL: Sealord is New Zealand's largest
processor of New Zealand Greenshell Mussels.
and North America were already showing
interest in the product and a major retail chain
is planning to launch the product in the United
Kingdom.
In this edition we focus on words and phrases pertaining to the gathering of seafood.
Good luck and remember— kia kaha ki te hii ika i raro i te manaakitanga o Tangaroa!
Diving ............................................................................................................................................ruku
Drag net ................................................................................................................................kaharoa
Dredge ........................................................................................................................................ karau
Drift netting ..................................................................................................kupenga au moana
Set netting ..................................................................................................................... kaharoa tu
Recreational fishing .............................................................................................hii hakinakina
Hand gathering .................................................................................................. te tohi mataitai
Fishing permit ................................................................................................. whakaaetanga hii
Te Ohu Kai Moana in partnership with the New Zealand Seafood Industry Council (SeaFIC) will
be producing a commercial fish species poster this year which will feature both the common
English and Maori names for the species.
5 TANGAROA
TOM McCLURG IS the new appointed
General Manager of Strategy and
Planning for Aotearoa Fisheries
Limited.
Tom (Ngati Mutunga) has a critical role
to play in the establishment phase of AFL.
This company will incorporate all of the
existing companies currently held by Te
Ohu Kai Moana under one group and will
represent the largest single fishing entity
in New Zealand.
AFL Chief Executive Robin Hapi said
Tom has a major contribution to make to
the development and growth of a flagship
Maori company.
“He has an intimate knowledge of the
quota management system, an in-depth
understanding of the fishing industry and
a reputation for providing sound strategic
and economic advice.”
Tom has held executive management
positions in the policy divisions for the
Ministry of Fisheries and the Treaty of
Waitangi Fisheries Commission. In his
previous role as a Principal of the Corporate
Finance Division at Ernst and Young he
provided financial advice to a range of
primary production companies including
those in the fishing industry.
Tom McClurg holds a First Class Honours
Masters of Science in Natural Resource
Management from Lincoln University and
a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from
Massey. He has been a director on Maoriowned fishing companies and he was a
founding director of the Seafood Industry
Council (SeaFIC) and the New Zealand Paua
Management Company.
Tom McClurg, General Manager of Strategy
and Planning for Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd.
TANGAROA 6
Decision awaited on Akaroa taiapure
NGAI TAHU KAUMATUA Sir Tipene O’Regan
said a proposal to impose a taiapure, or
customary fisheries management plan on
Akaroa Harbour will combine Maori and
Pakeha interests.
Sir Tipene gave evidence at the Maori Land
Court hearings last December to consider an
application for a taiapure from three runanga,
Onuku, Wairewa, and Koukourata.
Sir Tipene said a taiapure for local fisheries
management left control in the hands of local
people, both Maori and Pakeha.
Other options include declaring the area
a marine reserve, however Sir Tipene says a
taiapure is preferable.
“A full marine reserve is frozen management,
rather than a creative solution. It means
nothing can be taken from that area. The
taiapure leaves room for some areas to be
closed for a while, some to be opened, and
some to be restocked.”
Sir Tipene said imposing a marine reserve was
an “absolutist solution, based on ideologically
driven theories.” He said Ngai Tahu and local
runanga were open to the notion of a marine
reserve but only one inside the taiapure.
He said that hundreds of people descend on
the Akaroa harbour in the holiday season and
some form of management is important. Under
a taiapure, a rahui or temporary ban on fishing
and shellfish gathering could be imposed.
Ngai Tahu and the applicant runanga
have met community groups to discuss the
application for the taiapure.
Several groups oppose the application and
want to establish a marine reserve in the
harbour. However local runanga believe this
would deny them the right to gather fish.
Not all interested parties are convinced that
a taiapure is the best form of management for
the area.
Roger Beattie who farms paua, pearls and
seaweed on the coast of his farm is opposed
and says he will take the Minister to court if
he grants the taiapure. The Maori Land Court
report has acknowledged it was possible that
future development of Beattie’s interest might
be affected, and recommended he “work cooperatively” with the taiapure management
committee.
But Roger said such comments were hollow
and only brought more uncertainty for marine
farmers.
However Sir Tipene says that Pakeha farmers in the Akaroa area could benefit from a
taiapure.
“It has a local management body that may
have more Pakeha than Maori on it. The runanga are the catalyst to bring together people to
work out a management plan for the harbour
and the fisheries.”
The taiapure is designed to conserve marine
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTCHURCH PRESS
Establishment phase
of AFL underway
ON THE AKAROA: Sir Tipene O'Regan.
nursery areas, habitats, spawning areas, shellfish beds and fishing grounds. It will also help
deal with the increasing pollution problems
in the area as a result of sewerage discharge,
leachate, and chemical pollutants.
Sir Tipene says the good thing about a
taiapure or rahui, is that it brings together
Maori and Pakeha interests.
Chairman of Onuku runanga George Tikao
said the proposed taiapure would affect only
fishing and related activities and would not
affect commercial tourism ventures such as
dolphin watching.
Chairman of the Wairewa runanga Robin
Wybrow said the taiapure was a local solution
to a local problem. If it were approved, a committee of tangata whenua and other interest
groups would begin the “real job of cleaning up
our back yard and ensuring that water quality,
fish stocks, and the harbour environment are
rehabilitated so our children’s children may
enjoy the gifts of the sea.”
In February this year former Fisheries
Minister Pete Hodgson released the Maori
Land Court Tribunal’s report because of the
strong local interest in the issue. The report
recommends that a taiapure be established
over an area excluding the Dan Rogers Marine
Reserve at Akaroa Harbour.
In March 2002 Mr Hodgson had agreed in
principle to the application for the taiapure.
However new fisheries Minister David BensonPope has said before making a final decision he
will be consulting with the Minister of Maori
Affairs and is expecting advice from the Ministry of Fisheries in the next couple of months.
Seabed and Foreshore
Iwi continue to oppose foreshore and seabed
legislation
THE TREATY TRIBES Coalition says removing
the right for Maori to access the courts
should be a major concern for all New
Zealanders.
The Government's latest announcement in
April for the proposed legislative framework
to resolve the foreshore and seabed issues has
made some changes to their original proposition however the right for Maori or any other
to challenge the legislation in the court will
still be removed.
But Coalition Chairman Harry Mikaere says
the place for resolving this issue is in the courts.
“If the Government disagrees with the Court
of Appeal decision, it should simply appeal the
decision.”
He said that Maori are having their
rights to have proper access to the courts
taken away. “If the Government gets away
with doing it to Maori, they could do it to
anyone.
“No New Zealander who cares about the
rule of law can support legislation on this
issue at least until the court process has run
its course.”
The Treaty Tribes Coalition, representing
Ngai Tahu, Ngati Kahungunu, Ngai Tamanuhiri
and Hauraki Iwi, has rejected outright the
Government’s latest proposal on the foreshore
and seabed.
Harry said the Government’s mishandling
of the foreshore and seabed issue
has led to a fiasco. "Last-minute, party-political
horse-trading is not the way to resolve this
issue in an enduring way, particularly given its
importance to all New Zealanders."
Government accused of impinging
on Maori rights to voice opinions
THE GOVERNMENT’S latest announcement
on the proposed Foreshore and Seabed
legislation issue has also angered Te
Runanga o Ngai Tahu.
Runanga Kaiwhakahaere Mark Solomon says
that continuing to deny Maori rights to access
the courts is an impingement of human rights.
“It is incredibly ironic that the Government
should propose legislation today that impinges
on the rights of Iwi when less than one month
ago a New Zealand Government delegation
stood before the United Nations Commission
on Human Rights and made the statement that
this country has ‘always been resolute in its
pursuit of human rights internationally’ and
that ‘we want the international community and
this Commission to play a more active role in
ensuring that human rights standards are not
only universally accepted but also universally
applied’.
"Today we have seen the Government
show its true colours and they certainly
do not seem to align with the views that
the New Zealand delegation espoused internationally.
“The Government’s presentation before the
United Nations Commission on Human Rights
highlighted the situation in Zimbabwe. In the
past year, we have noted with dismay actions
to restrict the freedoms of speech and assembly
and the continuing undermining of the rule of
law and erosion of the independence of the
judiciary and the media.
"Yet, the proposals announced by the Government completely undermine the rule of law
in this country. They discriminate against Maori
because they extinguish our property right
and they interfere or halt the rule of law in
this country.
“This issue started in the Courts and it
should have been allowed to run its course
and be resolved through appropriate legal
process. We cannot stand before the international community and assert our commitment
to human rights issues in March and then
remove the right for our indigenous people to
have proper access to the courts in April.”
Policy labeled a shambles
NATIONAL IWI COLLECTIVE Te Ope Mana a
Tai has denounced the Government’s latest
foreshore and seabed policy as a shambles.
Chairman Matiu Rei says the only thing that’s
100 per cent clear is that the policy still intends
to expropriate Maori property rights.
“Everything beyond that is just a confusing,
contradictory shambles. The Bill will clearly
vest full legal and beneficial ownership in the
Crown. In order to do that, it has to take that
ownership off someone else, and the someone
else is the whanau, hapu and Iwi who hold it
currently.”
Matiu says while Iwi recognize that nonMaori have interests in the foreshore and
seabed, giving non-Maori customary rights
the same as Maori contradicts the original
intent of customary title.
“Beyond that, the ‘decoupling’ of ‘ancestral
connection and customary rights, along with
Te Ope Mana a Tai Chairman Matiu Rei.
the removal of all references to whanau, hapu
and Iwi, shows that the authors either have no
understanding of Maori society and tikanga, or
they are actually trying to break those things
down.
"The extension of the regime to include the
possibility of non-Maori customary rights has
no basis in domestic or international law.
"Iwi have never denied that many non-Maori
have particular interests in the foreshore and
seabed, and that some of these have a long history, but that is a completely different subject
from customary rights, which are a common
law mechanism for recognising the pre-contact
rights of the indigenous people,” Matiu said.
Matiu urged all MP's not to support any
legislation that removes Maori rights. “We know
that other Maori MP's—and that applies equally
to New Zealand First MP's as Labour’s—are
hearing the same messages from Maori. But
so far they seem to be ignoring them.
"All Maori MP’s in the House—and all MP's
that consider themselves to be people of principle—are now presented with a clear challenge.
We know that the political stakes are high, but
urge them to do the right thing by refusing to
have anything to do with legislation that would
extinguish Maori rights.”
7 TANGAROA
FISHERIES COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2002/03
THE TREATY OF WAITANGI Fisheries
Commission’s annual report for the year
ending 30 September 2003 was tabled in
Parliament last month.
Chairman Shane Jones says it has been a
momentous year for the Commission with the
presentation of an allocation model and a draft
Maori Fisheries Bill to the Minister of Fisheries
in May 2003.
three years ago in expectation that Argentina
would introduce a quota management regime
and the quota allocated to the joint venture
would more than cover the cost of the
investment. However a quota regime now
appears some way off.
“Coupled with Argentina’s financial woes, a
write down was considered a prudent course
of action.”
Commissioners’ fees for the year under
review dropped from $1.2m to $700,000.
Shane said that while the development of the
allocation framework continued to be the main
area of work for the board, the intensity had
lessened since reporting to the Government in
May 2003.
The book value of the Group’s total assets
increased to $477.5m after allowing for the
purchase of the minority interest of Te Kupenga
Limited in Moana Pacific Fisheries (16 percent),
the distribution of $1.1m to Te Ohu Kai Moana
Charitable Trust for scholarships and other
educational and training opportunities for
individual young Maori, and the direct benefit
delivered to Iwi from the discount on the
annual catch entitlement (ACE) round.
Shane says the Commission was now
focussing its efforts on ensuring that allocation
of the fisheries assets and distribution of the
benefits of the settlement occurred in the
shortest time.
“Iwi and the wider Maori community have
a real expectation that these assets will come
across to them very soon. The Commission is
working to ensure that does happen from
October 1.”
Maori fishing traditions recognised
A BIG YEAR: Commission Chairman Shane Jones.
“The allocation model outlined in He Kawai
Amokura is the culmination of more than a
decade of hard-fought battles over the best
method of allocating the assets and distributing
benefits to ensure all Maori ultimately benefit
from the Maori fisheries settlement.”
“We were elated to report to the Government
and bring some closure to the allocation work
with the overwhelming support of our people.
It is critical that we look forward to making the
most of these settlement assets and our unique
position in the New Zealand fishing industry.”
The Maori Fisheries Bill is currently before a
Select Committee and is expected to be law by
the middle of this year—in time for the start
of next year’s fishing season beginning on the
1st October 2004 with assets in Iwi hands and
Aotearoa Fisheries Limited up and running.
Shane said during the year in review, Te Ohu
Kai Moana Group posted an after-tax profit of
$9.9 million—a good result under very tough
commercial challenges faced by the fishing
industry.
“The Group has weathered a very difficult
year with the impact of SARS, the strengthening
of the Kiwi dollar, reduced annual catch
entitlement (ACE) volumes and lower than
planned landings of key species.
“The Group would have posted an after-tax
profit similar to last year ($19.7 million) but
for an $11.9m write down over Sealord’s joint
venture investment in Argentina, which was
discussed at the Commission’s last AGM.”
Shane said Sealord entered the joint venture
TANGAROA 8
GUARDIANS OF MAORI fishing tradition
can now turn their knowledge into
nationally recognised qualifications. The
Seafood Industry Training Organisation
(SITO) recently registered two new
qualifications in customary fishing
with the New Zealand Qualifications
Authority.
SITO Maori Sector Manager Ngahiwi
Apanui (Ngati Porou) says getting the
qualifications up and running is a real
milestone because before there was no way
to formally acknowledge people using those
valuable skills and matauranga.
“The aim of the Level 3 qualification is to
recognise a body of knowledge that already
exists with those people already practising
customary fishing, making hinaki and nets in
the traditional way. Level 4 will increase the
capacity of whanau, hapu, and Iwi to manage
their fisheries.”
Ngahiwi said the qualifications are also a
springboard to other strands in the seafood
field.
Applicants are assessed by independent
assessors but SITO has been careful to allow
for tribal differences around the country.
Each Iwi can nominate a kaumatua to
verify the evidence of people seeking the
certificate in their area. SITO subsidises
industry training on a 70/30 basis and
Ngahiwi said there will be help for marae
without the resources to pay.
“There’s a pre-assessment to find out what
evidence they need to collect and submit in
a formal assessment. And local Iwi will be
consulted to verify the evidence presented to
ensure it’s consistent with local whakapapa
SITO Maori Sector Manager Ngahiwi Apanui.
and tikanga of the marae involved. Basically,
somebody from Ngati Porou must be assessed
according to Ngati Porou tikanga and
matauranga.
“For a lot of our people in coastal and
rural areas having any kind of educational
qualification is a bonus. If you left school
after 4th form, to have the equivalent of a
7th form qualification is pretty good. What
we’re finding is there is quite a big demand
for it and people want assessments and
recognition of their skills.”
Ngahiwi hopes the first graduate of the
new qualifications will receive his certificate
at the official launch of the customary
fishing qualifications later this month.
GRACE ORMOND HAS worked in her family’s
crayfishing business for 11 years but the
young Mahia woman says her Diploma in
Marine studies has given her options she
never imagined.
Now 23, the Rongomaiwahine descendant
graduated from a Bay of Plenty Polytechnic
Diploma programme in 2001 as a qualified
divemaster and inshore launchmaster.
Working alongside her father and older
sister, Grace skippers her own crayboat and
has many plans for the future of the people
of Rongomaiwahine.
She gained a Te Ohu Kai Moana (TOKM)
scholarship in 2000 and was thrilled to be
accepted for the diploma programme.
“All I had was all this experience and a
strong passion for the moana and the people
of Rongomaiwahine, and I’d had been diving
for three years previously.”
Her master’s certificates allows Grace
to skipper a vessel over 20m long, with 99
passengers up to 12 miles offshore, opening
the way for charter ventures, and tourism as
well as crayfishing.
With her diving qualifications Grace hopes
to get involved in seafood enhancement
projects, underwater research surveying,
and upskill the people of Rongomaiwahine
to help with these projects
“That’s what I’m also hoping to do
this year—to get people involved in the
Scholar Grace finds a future at home
HOME GIRL: Te Ohu Kai Moana scholarship recipient Grace Ormond has taken her Diploma in Marine
Studies home to help run the family business at Mahia.
community”.
While the last season wasn’t so hot Grace
plans to keep on fishing and build on the
knowledge she gained from the Polytech.
“Whatever I learned up there I want to
bring it back to the people of Mahia. It’s no
use just one person being qualified and doing
everything yourself. You’ve got to get more
people up to that level because you can achieve
so much more with many hands.”
Last year, Grace arranged for the Polytech
to run a programme in Mahia so local people
could gain their Inshore Launchmasters
Certificates without having to leave Mahia.
They received Te Ohu Kai Moana scholarships
also.
In 2002, a further six rangatahi received
Commission scholarships for the Inshore
Launchmasters Certificates.
Grace is also keen to see a National
Certificate in Aquaculture course taught at
the local marae this year. Whatever happens,
Grace see’s her future at home in Mahia.
“There is no where else I’d rather be.”
Aquaculture
fresh challenge
for ex-navy man
RAYMOND MIHAKA (Rongowhakaata) used
to think the only good paua was a cooked
one. That was until he got into aquaculture
and a course of study with Turanga Ararau
on the East Coast. Now he thinks of the
sensitive young shellfish as his “babies”.
After 20 years at sea with the Royal New
Zealand Navy, Raymond was looking for a new
challenge closer to his Gisborne home and he’s
found it in aquaculture.
He’s already completed studies towards
national qualifications including the National
Certificates in Seafood—Aquaculture strand.
With a scholarship from Te Ohu Kai Moana,
the 50-year-old father of two completed levels
3 and 4 working mainly with Turanga Ararau
land-based paua farm.
The courses not only taught the basics of
paua husbandry and aquaculture farm management, it also helped Raymond improve his
computing skills.
What started out as curiosity and a desire to
RAYMOND'S BABIES: Turanga Ararau Aqua Farm Manager Raymond Mihaka (left) and student Steve
Muir examine young koura.
be home has led to a full-time job as Turanga
Ararau paua farm manager and part-time
aquaculture tutor. Raymond’s organisational
experience as a naval police officer and radar
instructor has come in handy keeping tabs on
the tanks of tiny paua, and showing other
aquaculture students the ropes.
He believes there’s definitely scope for oth-
ers in Gisborne and the East Coast to join the
industry.
“Within the Gisborne area they’re looking
at several farms being started around the
area. Many of the people building them have
come from Turanga Ararau either through the
aquaculture courses or BIZ Aquaculture Cluster
Group.”
9 TANGAROA
SEALORD LIMITED IS likely to take
aggressive action to cope with an
expected reduction in the Total
Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC)
of hoki species next season.
Sealord Chief Executive Officer Doug McKay
said hoki makes up about one-third of the
companies business and a reduction to that
extent wouldn’t be good for Sealord.
Two years ago the TACC moved from around
150,000 tonnes, to 200,000 tonnes and is now
currently at 180,000 tonnes for the 2003-2004
season. It’s likely that could be reduced to
around 120,000-150,000 tonnes next year. And
that will mean big changes for hoki companies
such as Sealord Ltd.
“Our view is that a reduction should be on
the basis of two things. One, protecting the
long-term value in the asset and two, on the
basis of conservatism we think the cut should
be overly conservative.”
Doug said Sealord Ltd is exploring three major strategies including an aggressive review of
the companies assets and cost reduction.
“It’s also possible that Sealord will build their
seafood business in Australia and New Zealand
to reduce its reliance on hoki markets in Europe,
the U.S.A and Japan.”
He said that another option is to grow their
own purchase supply business in selected strategic markets by sourcing fish over and above
their quota.
“Sealord Ltd has secured a reputation for
marketing hoki world wide and has been mainly
a hoki company in the past 7 years. However
if companies such as Sealord Ltd are unable to
deliver hoki to the market, customers are likely
to turn to other species.
“If customers lose confidence they will shift
to alternatives and it will be difficult to get
back the business.”
Doug says the Alaskin Pollock, a species
fished in Chile and Argentina is the hoki’s main
competitor. He says it’s a similar species and a
fast growing species in the American market.
Another competitor is the Tilapia farmed in
China and South America.
“The challenge for Sealord is that we are
going to have to re-invent and change the
company dramatically, but it’s not something
we havn’t done at least twice in the last ten
years. Fishing is an ever changing business.”
The Ministry of Fisheries and the Hoki Working Group will produce a report based on an
assessment of fish stocks which will influence
the final TACC. The report is due out around
July-August 2004.
TANGAROA 10
Photo courtesy of the Sealord Group Ltd
Major changes likely for Sealord if TACC for Hoki reduced
ON ALERT: Possible TACC changes could have major implications for Sealord's operations.
Sustainable fisheries guide released
TE OHU KAI MOANA has joined with the
Seafood Industry Council and the World
Wide Fund for Nature to release a guide
to managing sustainable fisheries in New
Zealand.
The guide has been produced in response
to the New Zealand fishing industry’s
commitment to manage marine resources
responsibly and act as a custodian of the
marine environment.
It was developed in partnership with the
fishing industry based on first-hand experience. It is intended to be a “living document”
and any suggestions for improvement are
welcome.
The guide has an environmental assessment
checklist and management options to enable
fishers and fisheries managers to identify
issues, determine goals and monitor progress
towards those goals.
Included in the guide is a range of options
for managing a fishery—such as codes of
practice, international process standards and
the Marine Stewardship Council certification
programme.
For a copy of the guide please contact
Kirsty Woods, Senior Policy Analyst at Te
Ohu Kai Moana.
MANAGING MARINE RESOURCES: Kirsty Woods
with the guide to sustainable fisheries in New
Zealand.
Maori Fisheries Bill 2003: Deadline extended for submissions
The date for submissions on the Maori Fisheries Bill has now closed. The Fisheries
and other Sea-related Legislation Committee will be hearing the final submissions in
Wellington, May 3-4. The Select Committee is expected to report back to the house
on June 3, 2004.
COMINGS AND GOINGS AT TE OHU KAI MOANA
Relay run brings
out the best
PART-TIME BUT determined athletes from Te
Ohu Kai Moana clocked up their fifth Great
Lake Relay around Taupo-Nui-A-Tia on
February 21—coming in a respectable 43rd
out of 142 teams in their section.
The team’s official time was 16 hours 22
minutes and 52 seconds—their second best
result in five years.
Twenty walkers, runners, and supporters—
including past and present staff and
whanau—were generously hosted by the
McDermott-Hapi whanau in Taupo.
The 160km endurance run took its toll on
some athletes, with aches and pains the result
of little or no preparation.
But everyone was rewarded with the
satisfaction of finishing and a boost to
workplace whakawhanaungatanga.
Special thanks to the McDermott-Hapi
whanau for taking such good care of the team.
Ka nui te mihi!
It’s a Girl!
Nau mai ra e hine, ki te whai ao ki te ao
marama—Tihei Mauri Ora!
Nga mihi ki a Sandi Hinerangi Barr
raua ko tona hoa tane a Ngahiwi Apanui
i te whanautanga mai o ta raua kohungahunga, ara ko Maarie Te Mirowai Hinerangi
Apanui-Barr.
Te Ohu Kai Moana takes this opportunity
to congratulate Communications Manager
Sandi Barr and Ngahiwi Apanui on the birth
of their baby girl and welcomes her into
their extended whanau.
Sandi is on leave to take care of her newborn and will be back on board soon.
Kia tau te manaakitanga ki runga i a
koutou katoa.
ENERGY TO BURN: The Te Ohu kai Moana Great Lake Relay team who put in a determined effort to
come 43rd out of 142 teams who took part in the 160km endurance race around Lake Taupo.
Shane Heremaia heads off on big OE
TODAY THE COMMISSION, tomorrow the
world! After three-and-a-half years with
Te Ohu Kai Moana, solicitor Shane Heremaia
(pictured) is off on his big OE.
Shane (Ngati Tuwharetoa, Te Arawa) and his
partner Puna Bryant planned to be in Gallipoli
for Anzac Day before touring through Turkey
and Greece en route to
London.
Shane, who previously
worked for international
firm Phillips Fox and
lectured at Auckland
University’s law school,
says working for Te Ohu
Kai Moana has been a
great opportunity to use
his legal and managerial
skills to aid Maori development.
Not only has he helped
draft the Maori Fisheries
Bill now before Parliament,
but Shane also represented Te Ohu Kai Moana
as junior counsel before the Privy Council in
London.
“It is high pressure, and controversial but it’s
important work that must to be done.”
Before joining Te Ohu Kai Moana, Shane
had some experience in fisheries settlements
but knew little about the commercial side of
the industry.
“It’s really exciting to see the opportunities
for development in fisheries that are coming
our way. It’s been a long, hard road but nothing
that’s worthwhile is easy.”
While he won’t be here to see the Fisheries
Bill passed (around June) or allocation
(October), Shane says going overseas will give
him a fresh perspective on issues back home.
“I think it can only be positive to travel and
come back again.”
The nature of a solicitor’s role means lots of
dispute resolution between Iwi groups and Te
Ohu Kai Moana, but Shane
says he’s enjoyed helping to
“iron out the creases” so everyone can move forward.
He said people have been
one of the most rewarding
parts of the job, from those
associated with Te Ohu Kai
Moana to Iwi working at
grassroots level.
Shane completed an MBA
through Massey University
while working for Te Ohu
Kai Moana. “I can’t stress
enough how grateful I am
to the Commissioners and
the staff and everyone working in this area
who are all so committed to the kaupapa.”
Meanwhile, incumbent Te Ohu Kai Moana
CEO Robin Hapi said that Shane will be sorely
missed during this most important phase of the
allocation process and transition into the new
Te Ohu Kai Moana.
“Shane has been great to work with and
has brought a fresh approach to the work undertaken by the legal division. We wish both
Shane and Puna all the best in their travels
and look forward to Shane returning and
continuing his positive role in Maori economic
development.”
11 TANGAROA
Support for campaign to link Maori to Iwi
Continued from front page.
TUHONO— THE BACKGROUND
• The Tuhono initiative was developed and
promoted by the Tautoko Maori Trust (TMT)
committee, established in 1997 and chaired
by Sir Paul Reeves.
• At the request of the TMT committee and
after years of consultation, the Government
amended the Electoral Act 1993 in 2002 to
allow the Chief Registrar of Electors to seek
permission from Maori voters to have their
enrolment details and Iwi affiliation shared
with their Iwi organisation/s through a
designated central Maori body.
• The Tautoko Maori Trust was appointed by the
Government as the designated body to receive
the electoral information of consenting Maori
voters for access and use by their selected
Iwi organisations which must be authorised
users.
• The Electoral Act and wider New Zealand
privacy law require the consent of Maori voters
before their electoral details and affiliation can
be shared.
• This information will only go to authorised
Iwi and Maori organisations. No government
agencies can access information on Iwi
affiliation through the Tuhono process.
• In December 2003, the Tautoko Maori Trust
(TMT) was formally incorporated.
• The Tautoko Maori Trust is a legal entity. Its
operational services have been called Tuhono,
also known as the Maori Affiliation Service.
• Dan Te Kanawa has been appointed as the
acting Chief Executive by the Tautoko Maori
Trust with management responsibilities for
Tuhono.
THE TUHONO MAORI TRUST—from left to right (back row): Hon. Koro Wetere; Wharehuia Milroy, Dr Terry
Ryan and Dan Te Kanawa (Chief Executive). In front are Sir Paul Reeves, Chairman and Druis Barrett.
TUHONO—THE FUNDING
• The establishment and operation of Tuhono
has been jointly funded by Te Ohu Kai Moana
($700,000 over two years) and the Government.
The Government will fund the Chief Registrar
of Electors to undertake the initial electoral
consent process ($1.49m) and the TMT to
implement the Tuhono service ($2.64m over
three years).
BEHIND THE CAUSE: Maori Sportsperson of the year and World Champion Silverfern star Temepara
Clarke and Te Karere presenter Scotty Morrison are proud to push the Tuhono concept.
KIA HIWA RA! KIA HIWA RA!
TE REO O TE TINI A TANGAROA
PO Box 3277, Wellington
Phone (04) 499 5199, Fax (04) 499 5190
MAORI COMMERCIAL FISHERIES
CONFERENCE
"Making It Happen – Te hapai o ki muri"
WEBSITE: www.tokm.co.nz
TE REO O TE TINI A TANGAROA is
the official newsletter of the Treaty of
Waitangi Fisheries Commission and is
published every second month.
TANGAROA 12
Wednesday 26 May 2004
Christchurch Convention Centre
For further details please contact Beck Waihape on
(04) 499 5199 or via email beck.waihape@tokm.co.nz