Customary Fisheries

What is a rāhui?

April 28, 2021 A rāhui is an indigenous, Māori principle used to regulate human activity for the future well-being of the people and natural resources such as fisheries.  ‘Rāhui’ translates ‘to prohibit, or a prohibition’. It is used in the form of restriction/ prohibition of a resource, area, or activity. In fisheries it is used to ban harvesting […]

Why do you say that Māori only own around 10.7% of the total quota share value when they actually own more than 40% of all quota?

May 29, 2020 Independent analysis by the NZ Institute of Economic Research shows that on the information available Māori own around 40% of quota shares (by volume) but only 10.7% of the total quota share value. This is a conservative estimate of iwi ownership and value because not all the relevant details are available; that is understandable given […]

What commercial fishing restrictions apply in the Bay of Islands?

August 23, 2018 Specific restrictions on commercial fishing apply in many parts of the Bay of Islands. Some restrictions apply only to the southern areas of the Bay, others regulations apply to the whole inner Bay of Islands. A rahui, customary management area, applies in Maunganui Bay, around the sunken wreck the Canterbury and Deep Water Cove in […]

Is there support from Māori for reform?

May 22, 2020 Yes, there is strong grassroots mana whenua support for reform to ensure there is an abundant fishery. Over the last 15 years we have attended and participated in many hui where people have expressed their concerns about depletion and their desire for more fish in the sea. Research shows that 73% of Māori think reform […]

How many Māori customary fishing areas are there?

May 22, 2020 There are 11 Mātaitai in the North Island and 35 in the South Island. 10 Taiāpure have been established nationally.

How much fish do Maori customary fishers take each year ?

May 22, 2020 The total amount of fish harvested by Māori customary fishers is unknown. The Minister of Fisheries has a legal obligation to make provision for Māori customary catch and traditional practices. The total amount of fish set aside to enable Māori fishers to fulfil their customary needs is around 4000 tonnes per annum, nationwide.

What will change for Māori under Rescue Fish?

May 22, 2020 Under Rescue Fish the Government will pay fair market value to buy back all existing quota rights, including those held by Māori. Maori will be free to use the funds received from the buy back and invest it in fishing or other enterprises. Māori Treaty interests will be served in part by having co-governance of […]

What is the significance of Māori customary fishing?

May 22, 2020 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 […]