MEDIA RELEASE

23 August 2002

Commission Heartened By Support For Proposals On
Maori Fisheries Settlement

Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commissioners have met with a number of Iwi to date around Aotearoa to discuss the proposals released last week for the final resolution of the Maori Fisheries Settlement.

Shane Jones, Chairman of the Commission, says no-one has rejected the model outright to date and Commissioners have received excellent support for Ahu Whakamua - the proposed method for allocating the assets and distributing the benefits of the Fisheries Settlement.

“Iwi, in the first instance, consider the proposed allocation model has merit and most want more time to meet with their members to discuss the model fully and provide informed feedback,” Shane said.

“The Commission is heartened by the level of support received and I expect we will continue to have constructive discussions and messages of support as we meet with more Iwi groups and interested parties.”

“The proposals in Ahu Whakamua not only strengthen Iwi through the allocation of substantial fisheries resources, such as inshore and deepwater quota and cash, but provide for increased Maori strength within a globally competitive fishing industry that will return long-term gains for the benefit of all Maori.”

The Commissioners look forward to meeting with members of Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu tomorrow to discuss their concerns and hear about the development of their alternative model.

ENDS