MEDIA RELEASE
2 October 2001

Commission To Put Forward Allocation Scenarios

The Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commission (Te Ohu Kai Moana) is making good progress on resolving the allocation of Maori Commercial Fisheries Assets and will issue before the end of November a discussion document detailing allocation proposals.

“Sometime before the end of November, Te Ohu Kai Moana will be in a position to issue a discussion panui to Iwi. This panui is likely to contain a number of allocation scenarios for consideration,” the Chairman of Te Ohu Kai Moana, Shane Jones, said today.

Mr Jones said the allocation work needed to be looked at in the context of the dispute resolution process that Te Ohu Kai Moana is undertaking with parties taking litigation against the previous proposed Optimum Method of Allocation for Pre-Settlement Assets (PRESA).

In 1998, following five years of consultation with Iwi and Maori organisations, an allocation scenario was presented to Iwi. After receiving their comments, Te Ohu Kai Moana then finalised its proposed Optimum Method of Allocation, which was for PRESA only, and signalled its intention to report this method to the Minister of Fisheries as required under the Maori Fisheries Act 1989.

“Te Ohu Kai Moana was then struck with litigation from a number of parties. As such, the Commission was prevented by the High Court to report the then preferred method of allocation to the Minister. Commissioners are currently reviewing the previous method, but as they are looking to provide a complimentary solution for both PRESA and Post-Settlement Assets, there will be a range of scenarios put to Iwi for their consideration,” Mr Jones said.

“It is envisaged that the new range of scenarios will help put parties’ and individuals’ minds at ease and go towards resolving the litigation against Te Ohu Kai Moana.”

“Commissioners have been seeking an end to litigation through dispute resolution facilitated by retired High Court judge Sir Rodney Gallen and this is proving successful,” he said. “Two Te Arawa groups and urban Maori organisations have agreed to put litigation on hold until they’ve seen the allocation proposals put out by this Commission.”

“Such agreement is heartening, and shows that real progress is being made. Te Ohu Kai Moana is serious about resolving concerns over allocation before Commissioners’ warrants expire in August next year,” Mr Jones said.

ENDS

For more information contact Glenn Hema Inwood Communications Manager on 021 498 010

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