Giving Back to Tangaroa, for Future Generations

Wednesday, 16 November 2011, 3:25 pm
Press Release: Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc

“Giving Back to Tangaroa, for Future Generations”

100,000 juvenile pāua will be reseeded along parts of the Ngāti Kahungunu coastline at Waimarama, Pourerere and Porangahau in a collaborative effort involving hapū, iwi, the Pāua 2 Industry Association (PAUAMAC2) and the general public. Reseeding pāua has been a long held aspiration of Ngāti Kahungunu, whānau, hapū and iwi, who have been concerned about diminishing numbers, and increasing fishing pressure on this highly important resource. Pāua are vulnerable to overfishing because they are long living, have low rates of fertility and take many generations to recover from a reduction in population (www.paua.org.nz).

Pāua is an important food source and a significant taonga (treasure) for Ngāti Kahungunu, captured in our whakapapa (genealogy), pūrākau (traditional stories) and waiata (songs). It is with Pāua that Kahungunu (our eponymous ancestor) sought the affections of Rongomaiwahine leading to the establishment of the iwi Ngāti Kahungunu. Pāua is also highly sought after by recreational fishers and the commercial sector, with the east coast fishery generating NZ$4.5 million per annum.

Ngā hapū o Waimarama, Ngā Hapū o Pourerere, Ngāti Kere and Ngāti Manuhiri of Porangahau will take a lead role in their respective rohe (regions) and are partners in the project. “This is about giving back to Tangaroa and looking out for future generations to ensure that there are pāua for them” – Jill Munro, Pourerere Marae. Each hapū has developed a pāua reseeding plan, and will have their people involved throughout the process of reseeding, monitoring and continued kaitiakitanga (Guardianship) of the pāua.

Throughout this project relationships within iwi, industry, community, scientists and other stakeholders are being developed leading to a more integrated approach to fisheries management in the Ngāti Kahungunu region. “To give the pāua the greatest chance of success, we need the whole community involved and as much awareness as possible” – Dr. Adele Whyte, Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated. “PAUAMAC2 see this project as the first step in much closer management interaction between Ngāti Kahungunu and industry and is a further step towards better shared fishery outcomes” - Tony Craig, Chair PAUAMAC2 Association.

ENDS

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