Maori Commercial Aquaculture Bill

Under the Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act 2004, Maori were promised, by 2014, 20% of all new space from 1 January 2005 and the equivalent of 20% of “pre-commencement space”, that is aquaculture space that was approved between 1992 and 2005.

As Minister of Fisheries from 2005 – 2008, I commenced a review of how the Crown could settle its pre-commencement space obligations to Maori, as required under the Settlement Act. The Ministry of Fisheries prepared a consultation document which was released to iwi beneficiaries.

The review addressed the progress of the settlement to date and more importantly provided a plan for how the Crown intended to implement and fulfil its pre-commencement space obligations under the settlement.

The review found that it would be virtually impossible to achieve so I asked iwi to consider the benefits of an early settlement.

The Agreement encompassed in this Maori Commercial Aquaculture Bill today signals the government’s commitment, both the previous Labour-Progressive government which commenced this process, and the current government, to completing treaty settlements, in general, and ensuring Aquaculture in New Zealand can keep making progress in particular.

As the then Minister of Fisheries, I sent an invitation to iwi requesting a proposal for an early settlement of the Crowns pre-commencement space obligations. That invitation was issued after listening to iwi who wanted me to consider a regional settlement.

Iwi responded in kind to my invitation and have worked tirelessly with officials from the Ministry of Fisheries to produce the agreement embodied in this Bill.

The agreement and, subsequently this Bill, mirrors both the desires of iwi for the settlement and the direction of the Crown’s plan to settle Maori Aquaculture issues.
The Agreement in Principle provides for a payment of around $97 million for a full and final settlement of the Crowns current pre-commencement space obligations in the Coromandel and the whole of the South Island.

This agreement has only been possible because many iwi have found a way to work constructively together to reach a settlement, both with the Crown, and with each other. All those in industry and government who participated deserve our thanks and congratulations.

The ability of all parties to reach a significant milestone in such a short time is testament to the commitment shown by all involved. This agreement and the Bill marks an important stage of the Maori Aquaculture Settlement and covers most of New Zealand’s highest value aquaculture development including the Hauraki Gulf, Marlborough and Tasman regions as well as the rest of the South Island.

This Bill reflects the good will shown by the Government and iwi to work together, to settle a treaty claim and bring certainty to all parties.

The iwi representatives, their officials and Te Ohu Kaimoana should be commended for their contribution to this settlement. The early settlement will assist iwi and the aquaculture sector in their future endeavours to grow the aquaculture industry.

Aquaculture is a growth industry that has great potential for employment and investment opportunities for Maori. I wish them well.

ENDS

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