Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou and Ngati Porou Seafoods Limited have expressed disappointment over the Government’s decision to create the country’s largest marine reserve around the "Kermadec Fishery Management Area."
According to a statement released by the Chair of the Ngati Porou Runanga, Selwyn Parata, this decision was made without any prior discussion /consultation with Iwi and or consideration of the potential impact on Iwi fisheries.
Last month the Government announced that 620,000 km2 of Ocean in the Kermadec region would be turned into one of the world's largest ocean sanctuaries.
John Key outlined that "Establishing the sanctuary will create a no-take, fully-protected zone preventing all fishing and mining in the area, adding to the protections already in place."
Not long after the announcement claims of a lack of consultation with Iwi which may hold quota rights in the area surfaced.
Environment Minister, Nick Smith responded to concerns at the time saying “Ngati Kuri and Te Aupouri – the two northern iwi with connections to the Kermadec Islands – both indicated their strong support for the new sanctuary prior to its announcement. These two relevant iwi have been pushing for the sanctuary proposal and so Labour’s criticism that they were not consulted does not make sense.”
However according to Selwyn Parata, "The way the Crown has proceeded is inconsistent with its obligations to Iwi under the Treaty of Waitangi and 1992 settlement between Iwi and the Crown. Conservation measures that add value are important and should be considered, but equally important are Treaty Rights."
Parata says “Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou will be seeking an audience with Ministers to discuss these concerns and we will be raising this at the next Iwi chairs forum.”