Treaty strategy - input and participation

In the Fisheries Act 1996 (s12), the Minister of Fisheries has an obligation to provide for the input and participation of tangata whenua and have particular regard to Kaitiakitanga before making decisions on sustainability measures.

Proposal

MFish has prepared a document that outlines a proposed input and participation process. Some parts of the process are necessary to allow the Minister of Fisheries to meet statutory obligations, and others are part of good fisheries management. In both cases, we are open to suggestions on the best way of achieving them. We would like to hear your views on:

• What would a good input and participation process look like;
• Anything you think should be included that we have missed;
• The most effective use for the resources available to carry out this work; and
• Any other comments you have.

 Download Discussion document (PDF 218kb)

Hui and submissions

MFish is currently consulting with tangata whenua around the country to discuss the Treaty Strategy proposals. Depending on the area, consultation will take place at either:

• An iwi regional forum hui, or;
• At an hui scheduled specifically to discuss Treaty Strategy.

Hui are taking place between August 2008 and March 2009.

The purpose of these hui is to bring together hapu and iwi representatives to talk with MFish about strengthening their involvement in fisheries management. We want to bring together hapu and iwi representatives with a mandate to speak on both commercial and non-commercial fishing. The discussion is part of MFish’s ongoing work to deliver on its Treaty obligations to Maori.

Individuals interested in participating in the consultation process should contact their local iwi. We will also accept individuals’ written submissions on the proposals.

DISCUSSION OF TREATY STRATEGY AT IWI REGIONAL FORUMS

In some areas MFish and tangata whenua have set up forums to deal with fisheries matters. MFish are consulting through those forums made up of mandated representatives of iwi and hapu.

Details of these hui will be posted here as they are confirmed.

HUI CALLED SPECIFICALLY TO DISCUSS TREATY STRATEGY

Where it is not possible to consult through forums, MFish are scheduling additional hui, and inviting representatives of both tangata whenua customary and commercial interests to attend.

MFish are also scheduling hui to discuss the Treaty Strategy with other stakeholder groups and organisations, for example Te Ohu Kai Moana.

Details of these hui will be posted here as they are confirmed. 

POST HUI PROCESS

Following the hui we will summarise the issues raised and return this list to the participants for comments. We will also accept written submissions on the matters raised in the presentation and accompanying paper.

All written submissions on this consultation document must be received by MFish by Tuesday 31 March 2009.

Input and Participation Process Submissions
Fisheries Policy
Ministry of Fisheries
PO Box 1020
Wellington

Or email to mfish.policy@fish.govt.nz
 
Please note that all submissions are subject to the Official Information Act and, if requested, MFish may need to release information in submissions. If you have any objection to releasing information in your submission, please indicate the parts you think should be withheld and the reasons. MFish may still have to release all or part of a submission.