Tariana Turia,
Co-leader of the Maori Party; and Fisheries spokesperson

Wednesday 17 January 2006

The Maori Party today endorsed the new appointments to the board of Te Ohu Kaimoana, the Maori Fisheries Trust.

"Tangata whenua are poised to realise great developments within the fishing industry not only as workers, but as owners, operators and marketers of fish products" stated Tariana Turia, Fisheries spokesperson for the Maori Party.

"In such a vibrant environment, it is very exciting to welcome two new directors, of the calibre of Te Runanga o Te Whanau head, Rikirangi Gage; and Kahungunu chair, Ngahiwi Tomoana".

"Rikirangi brings to the board considerable strength through his experience as an entrepreneur, having piloted innovative projects such as cyberwaka (information technology project based in Te Kaha) or more broadly in contributing advice in areas such as Oceans Policy or biological diversity".

"Ngahiwi is known throughout Aotearoa for his leadership in the Treaty Tribes Coalition; his management of the first Maori Fisheries Conference; his promotion of Maori aquaculture, and his work in protecting eel habitats".

"The Maori Party also recognises the strategic wisdom of re-appointing existing directors, Whanganui leader, Archie Taiaroa and current board member, Hon Koro Wetere".

"We celebrate the independent strength of iwi in appointing such distinguished representatives to Te Kawai Taumata (the committee formed to make appointments to the trust) and in turn to Te Ohu Kaimoana" said Mrs Turia.

"We congratulate the endeavours of Te Kawai Taumata chair, Tukuroirangi Morgan; Deputy Chair, Naida Glavish; and the entire committee, in confirming such positive appointments".

"With such impressive direction in place, we would suggest that the health of our kaimoana and the Maori fisheries industry is in good hands, for now and future generations" concluded Mrs Turia.

ENDS

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