March 20, 2016
TOKM defends Maori Kermadec stake
Te Ohu Kaimoana has asked the High Court in Wellington to protect iwi fishing interests around the Kermadec Islands.
Chair Jamie Tuuta says the proposed Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary, touted as becoming the country's largest marine reserve, is also Fisheries Management Area 10, which all iwi have quota in.
He says the 1992 Maori Fisheries Settlement guaranteed that the Crown would involve Maori and their representative organisations in statutory decisions, including consulting fully on matters relating to the management of fisheries and ecosystems.
This did not happen with respect to the sanctuary proposal.
In fact Prime Minister John Key announced the sanctuary during a speech to the United Nations last year, Mr Tuuta's predecessor was only informed the night before.
Mr Tuuta says the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill introduced last week states that no compensation will be provided to quota holders or others.
Te Ohu Kaimoana is backed in the action by iwi leaders around the country including Ngati Whatua, Ngatiwai, Ngapuhi, Hauraki and Ngati Toa Rangatira.
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