January 25, 2024
Hapū hōhā with fishing contest.
A member of far north iwi Ngāti Kahu says his generation has had enough of the damage caused to land and sea by a major fishing competition.
Wikātana Pōpata is leading a challenge to this weekend’s Doubtless Bay Fishing Contest, which brings thousands of fishers to the region.
He says there has been no consultation with iwi during the 40 year life of the contest.
“You’ve got my people in Ngāti Kahu here sitting in poverty and they’re watching all these pakeha come from Auckland and from around the country, come up to our area, over-fish our area right in the middle of when our snapper are spawning and it’s just not right. We’ve had enough, It’s time we stand up,” Mr Popata says.
Hapū members intend to block boat ramps and beach access points from Friday morning until Sunday.