Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou welcome new Mātaitai

Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou are pleased the Minister for Primary Industries has approved the Ōtākou Mātaitai Reserve.

Donna Matahaere, Chairperson, Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, says an application was first lodged in 2008, and since then there has been public consultation and spatial amendments to the original application.

“The mātaitai covers an area east of Pulling Point to Harwood Point, and to the mouth of the Otago Harbour,” says Donna.

“The Lower Otago Harbour is a site of traditional importance to Ōtākou whānau. It represents a major highway, a place of shelter, a connection to our settlements and marae, and an important provider of kaimoana,” she says.

“Tangata Tiaki appointed by the Minister will assist Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou to manage the customary uses of the mātaitai and the rūnanga will also establish a management committee whose initial task will be to prepare a customary fisheries management plan,” says Donna.

The management plan will guide customary use and initiatives that may be required regarding the protection or enhancement of customary fisheries in the lower harbour.

Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou will engage with other harbour users and stakeholders in the course of its mātaitai management duties.

Please note the attached document is the MPI notification.

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