11 September, 2013

Waikato-Tainui propose bylaws to aid in river restoration

Waikato-Tainui proposes new freshwater fisheries bylaws in efforts to help restore the Waikato River.

The seven proposed bylaws, which are open for public consultation, focus on sustainable fishing practises, support for native eel migration, the implementation of traditional management plans, and the protection and recognition of waahi tapu (areas of cultural significance).

“The Waikato River is regarded as our tuupuna (ancestor) and is home to some of our fisheries which we consider as taonga (gifts) as they sustain our way of life both physically and spiritually,” says Rahui Papa, Chairman of Waikato-Tainui’s tribal executive Te Arataura.

“Waikato-Tainui have an inherent obligation to care for the fisheries taonga gifted to us by our tuupuna so these proposed bylaws will apply to us as an iwi as much as they will apply to others – we too must uphold the rules.”

The proposed bylaws were developed from the tribe’s recently released environmental plan Tai Tumu Tai Pari Tai Ao, which encompasses the aspirations of tribal members and consultations with other iwi, government agencies, local authorities and various stakeholder groups.

“The environmental plan was developed by our people, for our people and for our environment,” says Mr Papa. “A purpose of the plan is to help us restore and protect the health and wellbeing of the Waikato River and ensure our taonga are safeguarded for current and future generations.”

Waikato-Tainui are seeking public submissions on its seven proposed bylaws. All submissions will be considered and taken into account when forming the final recommendation to the Minister for Primary Industries. Written submissions are due by 5pm Wednesday 23 October and can be emailed to fisheries@wrrt.co.nz or sent by post to:

Proposed Fisheries Bylaws
Waikato Raupatu River Trust
20 Alma Street
Private Bag 3344
HAMILTON 3204

Waikato-Tainui collaborated with the commercial eel sector in developing the proposed bylaws that affect their industry. The seven proposed bylaws are:

Bylaw 1: Release of oversized eels below migration barriers
Bylaw 1 encourages the safe passage of migrant eels downstream and reduces the risk of turbine and flood control pump mortality on migrant eels.

Bylaw 2: Temporary raahui (prohibition) on fishing in an area due to drowning
Bylaw 2 recognises and gives effect to the cultural values of raahui while also showing respect to the deceased and their whaanau (family).

Bylaw 3: Permanent raahui (prohibition) on fishing in a part of the Matahuru stream at Lake Waikare to protect and recognise the cultural significance of a waahi tapu (areas of cultural significance)
Bylaw 3 recognises and gives effect to the traditional management practice of raahui while ensuring the protection and recognition of waahi tapu.

Bylaw 4: Seasonal raahui (seasonal closure) prohibiting the commercial harvesting of eels from the tributaries of Lake Waikare and Whangamarino wetland during the tuna heke (eel migration)
Bylaw 4 aims to increase the number of eels able to migrate out of Lake Waikare and the Whangamarino wetland while also recognising the cultural importance and RAMSAR status of the Whangamarino wetland.

Bylaw 5: Increase the minimum size of both species of commercially harvested eels from 220 grams to 300 grams
Bylaw 5 aims to improve recruitment to the eel fishery and increase the yield of commercially harvested eels.

Bylaw 6: Reduce the maximum size for commercially harvested shortfin eels from four kilograms to two kilograms

Bylaw 7: Reduce the maximum size for commercially harvested longfin eels from four kilograms to two kilograms

Bylaws 6 and 7 aims to increase the proportion of shortfin and longfin female eels that reach spawning maturity, improve the overall size structure of shortfin and longfin eels, and increase the number of eels to predate small pest fish.

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