March 17, 2015
Accountability sought at fisheries trust
The head of Ngati Porou Fisheries wants iwi to have more of a say in commercial fishing assets like Aotearoa Fisheries Limited and Sealord, but he doesn't want to see the end of Maori fisheries settlement trust Te Ohu Kaimoana.
Mark Ngata has been appointed to an Iwi Working Group which will seek iwi views on the recommendations of a report on fisheries settlement structures by Wellington barrister Tim Castl.
Mr Castle recommended Te Ohu Kaimoana be would up and its assets distributed to iwi.
Mark Ngata says that's not something iwi asked for, but they do want some change.
"We do say that we want dfirect accountability and a rationalisation of their functions and operations. And I think these are the discussions that iwi need to have to sort of work out what sort of vehicle do we need going forward because there are functions that I think are still important. I don't think those functions are neccessary to take the structures that we have
Mark Ngata says Ngati Porou has built up a $40 million business since getting its fisheries settlement assets in 2007, but it is also aware that collaboration and cooperation are essential for iwi.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH MARK NGATA CLICK ON THE LINK
https://secure.zeald.com/uma/play_podcast?podlink=MjcyNTg=
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