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Sealord is trying a new joint venture approach to attract iwi quota.
Despite the fact that it is half-owned by pan-Maori company Aotearoa Fisheries, many iwi in the past have chosen to lease their quota to non-Maori companies or use foreign charter vessels.
Doug Paulin, Sealord's General Manager Fishing, says increased consumer interest in sustainability and a law change requiring the deepwater fleet to be New Zealand flagged means the industry is changing.
He says iwi who sign on to the Ihu to Mai scheme will have their quota matched tonne for tonne and will share management of the venture.
"All of the profit and margin from those fish being sold offshore is returned back to our iwi partners, so there isnt any money that remains within Sealord from their fishing assets. If you want to say im fishing sustainably, im involved and I know whats going on then Ihu to Mai creates a great opportunity for you to do that, so ideally I'd like all iwi to be involved in it."
Doug Paulin says two iwi including Waikato Tainui have signed up for Ihu to Mai, and he hopes to sign another four this season.
Copyright © 2013, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
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