The proposed mataitai. Graphic by Alistair Craig.
Haast residents have submitted in overwhelming opposition
to an application from Ngai Tahu hapu Te Runanga o Makaawhio to
establish nine mataitai (traditional fishing reserves) along
the South Westland coastline.
About 145 submissions were received by the Ministry of
Fisheries in response to the Hokitika-based runanga's
application to establish the mataitai.
Of those, 143 were opposed to the move to establish the
fishing reserves.
A single submission was made, from Rangiora, which fully
supported the move, while another submission partially
supported the mataitai proposal.
The 145 written submissions were obtained by the Otago
Daily Times through an official information request.
Although the names of submitters were withheld by the
ministry, the majority of submissions were made by residents
of Haast and the surrounding area south to Jackson Bay.
A small commercial fishing industry, located around Haast and
Jackson Bay, faces uncertainty if the proposal to establish
the fishing reserves is successful.
Recreational fishing in the area could also be affected, but
only if the runanga - in conjunction with the ministry -
decide to enact specific regulations in the mataitai area.
Four areas of particular concern are popular fishing spots at
Popotai and Tumaka Island near Okuru, also known as Open Bay
Islands; Barn Island, near the Hope River south of Jackson
Bay; Okahu Bay or Jackson Bay; and Paringa, south of Bruce
Bay.
A petition with 113 signatories entitled "Objections to
Proposed Mataitai Fishing Areas (West Coast)" was withheld by
the ministry on the grounds of privacy.
Most of the opposing submitters objected to the runanga's
desire to form the mataitai in areas they claim are a
significant distance away from its Hokitika base and
traditional Makaawhio customary fishing sites, near Jacobs
River and Bruce Bay.
Te Runanga o Makaawhio is one of the 18 constituent
sub-tribes (hapu) of Ngai Tahu and its takiwa (tribal area)
covers an area of South Westland from the Hokitika River down
to Milford Sound.
The runanga began the process of establishing the mataitai
several years ago and the application is now at the stage of
public consultation.
A mataitai is an identified traditional fisheries ground
established for the purpose of non-commercial customary food
gathering. Commercial fishers cannot take fish from a
mataitai unless the Minister of Fisheries grants the right by
regulation.
That has not happened for any other mataitai in New Zealand,
according to the Ministry of Fisheries, but South Westland is
lobbying to be the first.
The Ministry of Fisheries and runanga representatives have
held two public meetings in Hokitika and Whataroa.
They are scheduled to hold further meetings at the Bruce Bay
Hall, at 7pm today, and at the Haast Rescue Centre hall,
tomorrow at 7pm.
Main points
• Proposal for nine mataitai in South Westland, sought by
Ngai Tahu subtribe Te Runanga o Makaawhio.
• Could change commercial, recreational fishing.
• 145 submissions: 143 opposed; one in support, one partial
support.
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