Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki upoko David Ellison at
Butterfly Bay on the Huriawa peninsula near Karitane which
is part of the new East Otago Harbour taiapure. Photo by
Gregor Richardson.
Major surgery could not keep David Ellison from
celebrating the official opening of the East Otago Harbour
taiapure.
The Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki upoko was clearly
feeling the effects of a recent operation, but he put that
aside to welcome more than 50 people at the historic Pa a Te
Wera on the Huriawa peninsula near Karitane and consecrate a
newly erected pou (carved post) last week.
For Mr Ellison, it was a momentous day.
He said the East Otago taiapure management committee had
imposed voluntary restrictions on fishing during the past two
years, prompted by concerns about declining fish stocks.
However, new Ministry of Fisheries regulations limiting catch
levels came into effect on Friday which would help ensure the
long-term sustainability of resources in the taiapure, which
includes the fishery from Potato Point in the south to
Cornish Head in the north.
john.lewis@odt.co.nz
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