Rongowhakaata receives fisheries assets

Rongowhakaata receives fisheries assets

31 May 2006

The Rongowhakaata Charitable Trust will receive the first part of its fisheries assets, valued at approximately $2.1 million, following approval this week as a mandated iwi organisation (MIO). The iwi has satisfied the requirements of the Maori Fisheries Act and the Maori Fisheries Trust, Te Ohu Kaimoana, with its management structure, constitution and register of members.

‘The process involves a lot of groundwork to reach consensus and meet the requirements of the Act,’ Maori Fisheries Trust CEO Peter Douglas said. ‘The hard work pays off when iwi are able to start taking control of their share of the fisheries settlement assets and I congratulate Rongowhakaata for reaching this stage.’

While Rongowhakaata will initially receive ownership of population-based assets, comprising 75% of its deepwater quota, shares in Aotearoa Fisheries Limited and cash, it can also seek inshore agreements with neighbouring iwi to complete its full transfer of assets.

Rongowhakaata and Te Aitanga a Mahaki are now in a position to reach inshore agreements between themselves and with their respective neighbouring tribes, Ngati Porou and Ngai Tamanuhiri, who make up a cluster of mandated organisations.

‘The leadership and drive within this cluster could see the inshore agreements completed in time for the October fishing season,’ Mr Douglas said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media