MEDIA RELEASE
10 December 2001

Models Provide For Commercial Freshwater Fisheries

All of the proposed four models of allocation put forward by the Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commission (Te Ohu Kai Moana) in its recently published document, He Anga Mua, have taken into account the need to compensate for the loss of commercial freshwater fisheries.

The Treaty Claims Fisheries Settlement settled both marine and freshwater commercial fisheries rights for Maori.

The chief executive of Te Ohu Kai Moana, Robin Hapi, said today that while some may believe there is no provision for this loss, the fact is that all the models put forward by Te Ohu Kai Moana provide for commercial freshwater fisheries.

“We have proposed a direct allocation of any freshwater quota to Iwi on the basis of Population, and other assets in our models have a greater weighting towards population when it comes to allocating them,” Mr Hapi said.

“It’s completely wrong to suggest that we have ignored the finding by the High Court over the loss of commercial freshwater fisheries. Every model put forward by Te Ohu Kai Moana gives effect to the court decision. As such, consideration of freshwater fisheries is part of our reasoning to emphasise population for allocating shares and cash.”

He also said Te Ohu Kai Moana was seeking views on the degree to which an Iwi’s Population should influence any final method of allocation of deepwater quota.

“Our models propose that deepwater quota be allocated on a 50 percent Coastline and 50 percent Population basis, but Te Ohu Kai Moana is not set on that split. We are open to the population formula being given a greater weighting, that’s what we’re asking Maori to comment on.”

Mr Hapi asked that all Maori take the time to study the documents before coming to a conclusion. “If, after due consideration, people believe we haven’t achieved the right balance, then let us know. We have a process in place to help us all achieve a solution so that Maori can move forward,” he said.

“I must emphasise the importance of all participants to work for a compromise solution. I would hope that all Maori pursue resolution, rather than litigation, for the benefit of all Maori,” Mr Hapi said.

ENDS
For more information, contact Te Ohu Kai Moana Communications
Glenn Hema Inwood, 021 498 010

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