A recent court ruling has determined that the Crown is breaching the 1992 Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Settlement.
Te Ohu Kaimoana, representing Māori fisheries interests, filed a complaint arguing that section 28N of the Fisheries Act allows the reduction of the 10 percent fisheries allocation to Māori during annual fish stock fluctuations.
This section prioritises non-compensated fisheries companies when quotas rise, undermining Māori rights to fisheries.
Te Ohu Kaimoana claims that the Crown has been violating the settlement since its inception and is seeking formal declarations to confirm this breach.
The ruling could significantly affect the future of Māori fisheries’ rights in New Zealand.
