December 05, 2022
Ngāpuhi joins fisheries challenge
Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi-Ō-Ngāpuhi says it’s backing Ngāi Tahu’s High Court challenge to an amendment to the Māori Fisheries Act covering the distribution of remaining assets held by the Māori Fisheries Settlement Trust.
The formula agreed at a Te Ohu Kaimona special general meeting in 2016 would give all iwi an equal amount if surplus funds are distributed or the organisation wound up.
Ngāpuhi chair Wane Wharerau, says that would cost Ngāpuhi millions of dollars.
He says the rūnanga has an obligation to protect the existing Māori Fisheries Settlement agreements, for current and future generations.
Ngāi Tahu and Ngāpuhi want the funds distributed according to iwi population.