Māori customary fishing, harvesting and the application of tikanga [best practice] are culturally and spiritually significant. Māori customary fishing is legally defined as fishing using a permit issued by a Kaitiaki (guardian), for a cultural occasion. The ability of mana whenua to provide their specialty kai moana to visitors enhances the mana of the marae and people. Currently, Māori customary interests are provided for in legislation with a range of tools to manage areas and species. The success of these tools has been mixed, with unsatisfactory outcomes for many hapū and whānau.