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PRESS RELEASE

Top of the South Tribes Reject Fisheries Allocation Model

The 8 top of the south iwi sent a clear message to The Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commission, Te Ohu Kaimoana, today, Wednesday 28 August, at a meeting in Nelson.

They unanimously rejected the proposed allocation model, Ahu whakamua in its present form.

The commission made it clear that the meeting was not a part of a consultation process but was to inform the top of the south tribes of the allocation model that had been decided and would be presented to the government.

The top of the south tribes openly agreed that after 10 years this matter must be settled but with an allocation model that is fair and acceptable.

Most iwi in the top of the south are involved in the fishing and aquaculture industries and have eagerly awaited the conclusion of what has been a long and drawn out process, to deliver their assets.

There were many questions raised by iwi delegates over why the pre settlement (PRESA) and post settlement (POSA) assets being were treated differently and about the proposed company, Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd (AFL) which would hold a large share of their assets.

Speakers expressed concerns about AFL, it's accountability to its share holders, the selection process for directors and asked why iwi were being offered non voting shares in the company, which meant they would have no say over the use of their assets or the direction of the company.

The commissioners responded to all questions, back grounding the thought processes and the rationale for the decisions and structure of the allocation model. They also suggested that no model would meet with total agreement and that it was necessary to compromise to reach an agreement that would be best for all.

However when asked if the commission would compromise and take on board the suggestions from the 8 top of the south iwi, their answered was no.

Most delegates felt that even though there were no tracks in Nelson the commission had tried to railroad them.

ENDS

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