Te Whaka a Te Wera Mataitai Reserve was established in 2004 in Paterson Inlet on
Stewart Island. Established by the Rakiura Maori Land Trust, the reserve
allows local iwi the opportunity to manage the community's reflects the
philosophy of the customary fishing regulations and fulfils fisheries
aspirations of the local
kete kaimoana (seafood basket).
In the 1970s there
was already concern about scallop beds being depleted in the Paterson Inlet.
A taiapure failed to gather enough community support at that time. However
over the years members of the local iwi continued to seek a solution to
protecting the area's fisheries, and the establishment of a mataitai reserve was
able to garner strong local support.
As Raymond Necklen, Ministry
of Fisheries customary appointments manager for Te Kaui Pou Hononga stated when
the reserve was established, "The
customary fishing regulations have increased iwi Maori involvement in the
management of their fisheries, which in turn has helped the community here
develop this local solution to a local problem. It’s all about empowering whänau
hapü iwi and, as a consequence, their communities."
For more information:
http://teohu.maori.nz/publications/tetaipari/
www.fish.govt.nz/customary/hi_ika/pdf/hi-ika-autumn05.pdf
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2 - 9 March 2008
