Ngāti Kahungunu and Sealord announce fishing deal

A deal allowing New Zealand’s third largest iwi to be more directly involved in the use of its fishing quota has been signed in Nelson.

The arrangement between Ngāti Kahungunu and Sealord will see the two organisations work together in the sustainable utilisation of fishing quota, employ and develop iwi members whilst at the same time maximising profitable returns to iwi.

According to Mike Paku (Ngāti Kahungunu) the deal is more substantive than the year-by-year sale and purchase of ACE (annual catch entitlement) approach previously used by the iwi.

“Ngāti Kahungunu and Sealord share a common recognition that quota is taonga that must be protected for future generations and that this can be achieved whilst maximising the income from this valuable asset,” said Paku.

The agreement includes a programme to increase training and employment and for Ngāti Kahungunu to gain valuable experience in the different elements of the fisheries value chain.

General Manager of Sealord Fishing, Doug Paulin explains that the former includes scholarships at theWestport Deepsea Fishing School, similar to those established with Tainui.

“Sealord has been developing relationships with iwi through our ‘Ihu to Mai’ programme which we believe benefits all parties. Ihu to Mai increases the long term access to quota for Sealord and provides a more direct influence in the way fishing assets are sustainably utilised for iwi,” Paulin said.

The deal includes a range of species including hoki, bluenose, alfonsino, jack mackerel and oreo. This ACE will vary each year according the Total Allowable Commercial Catch set by the Minister of Primary Industries as part of the New Zealand quota management system.

ends

© Scoop Media