May 13, 2022
Iwi offer terms for ocean sanctuary
There could be progress on the Rangitāhua Ocean Sanctuary, seven years after then-prime minister John Key announce he would ban fishing around the Kermadec Islands.
Te Ohu Kaimoana chair Rangimarie Hunia says negotiations are continuing, but the proposal has materially changed from its initial form, which would have wiped out commercial fishing rights conferred on iwi under the 1992 Deed of Settlement.
Yesterday’s annual meeting of the Māori fisheries settlement trust resolved to ensure the best possible outcome for the sanctuary.
Ms Hunia says the sanctuary provides an opportunity for the Government to adopt a mātauranga Māori approach to marine protection, conservation and sustainability.
Iwi are ready to meet the challenge of finding the right balance between advancing the interests of Māori in fishing and their obligations as kaitiaki.