September 23, 2016
Customary reserve for Otago Harbour
The Minister for Primary Industries has approved a mataitai reserve around the mouth of the Otago Harbour.
A mataitai reserve is an identified traditional fishing ground which is restricted to customary food gathering.
Commercial fishing is prohibited and any customary fishing must be done with the approval of a tangata tiaki or kaitiaki appointed by the Minister of Fisheries.
Te Runanga o Otako chair Donna Matahaere says the application was lodged in 2008, and the area to be covered by Otakou Mataitai Reserve was amended after extensive consultation.
She says the lower Otago Harbour is a site of traditional importance to Otakou whanau and represents a major highway, a place of shelter, a connection to settlements and marae, and an important provider of kaimoana.
The runanga will prepare a customary fisheries management plan setting out what is customary use as well as any initiatives that may be required to protect or enhance fisheries.
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