April 20, 2021
Ngai Tahu consulted on marine reserve plan
The Fisheries and Conservation Ministers are at Ōtākou Marae today to consult with Ngāi Tahu on a proposed marine protected area network for the south east of Te Waipounamu.
Te Tai Tonga MP Rino Tirikatene says the goal is to find a way to protect the marine environment while also balancing the interests of customary fishers, recreational users and the commercial sector.
"The key way forward is to work in partnership, co-management with the iwi and mana whenua to ensure these so these arrangements can endure. Being able to work with them prior to putting these measures into place is a key part of that," he says.
The proposed network is made up of five Type 2 marine protected areas and one kelp protection area, covering a total of more than 1200 square kilometres from Timaru in South Canterbury to Waipapa Point in Southland.
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