Customary Management

A suite of management tools were created under Part IX of the Fisheries Act 1996. These tools are designed to give effect to the obligations stated in the Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Claims Settlement Act 1992 to develop policies to help recognise use and management practices of Mäori in the exercise of non-commercial fishing rights. The Part IX tools provide practical recognition of the rights guaranteed to tängata whenua under the Treaty of Waitangi.

These tools include:

Mataitai Reserves
Tangata Whenua may apply to the Minister of Fisheries to establish a mätaitai reserve on a traditional fishing ground for the purpose of recognising and providing for customary management practices and food gathering. Commercial fishers may not fish in a mätaitai reserve, however recreational fishers can.

Taiapure
A taiapure is a local management tool established in an area that has customarily been of special significance to an iwi or hapü as a source of food or for spiritual or cultural reasons. All fishing (including commercial fishing) can continue in a taiapure. This tool offers a way for Tängata Whenua to become involved in the management of both commercial and non-commercial fishing in their area.

Section 186 A & B Temporary Closures and Method Restrictions
Section 186 A (North & Chatham Island) & B (South Island) of the Fisheries Act 1996 allows the Minister of Fisheries or the Chief Executive of the Ministry of Fisheries to temporarily close an area to fishing. The specific purpose is to provide for the use and management practices of Tängata Whenua in the exercise of their customary rights.