MEDIA RELEASE
21 December 2001

Sir Tipene O’Regan Retires From Sealord Chair

The Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commission (Te Ohu Kai Moana) said today that Sir Tipene O’Regan has announced he will retire as chairman of Sealord Group Limited at the end of January 2002.

Te Ohu Kai Moana owns a half share in Sealord along with Japanese seafood company, Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Limited (Nissui).

The Chief Executive of Te Ohu Kai Moana, Robin Hapi, said that much has been accomplished under Sir Tipene’s leadership. Sir Tipene has been the chairman of Sealord since 1992.

“Sir Tipene believes that the company faces new and demanding challenges, has had a significant change in its circumstances and now faces what must be seen as new beginnings. He believes it is appropriate that a shift in the leadership of the company should accompany that change,” Mr Hapi said.

Mr Hapi said Te Ohu Kai Moana wished to thank Sir Tipene for his leadership, commitment and work in growing this 50 percent Maori-owned company.

“Sir Tipene has made an enormous contribution to Sealord, as well as the wider industry. Under his leadership, Sealord has grown from a New Zealand fishing company to a truly global seafood enterprise. He has been extremely passionate about Sealord’s future and the need to steer it in the right direction, and for that Te Ohu Kai Moana is extremely grateful.”

Mr Hapi added that Te Ohu Kai Moana Chairman Shane Jones has been appointed the new Chairman of Sealord and will assume the position at the end of January.

ENDS

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

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