More fishery officers to support kaimoana fishing regulations (05 AUGUST 1999)

The Ministry of Fisheries has begun recruiting 18 full-time fishery officers and three customary liaison officers as part of its customary compliance initiative.

All but one will work in the North Island, providing compliance support for the new Kaimoana Fishing Regulations which came into force in February this year.

The other position is assigned to the Chatham Islands.

Support in the South Island is being provided through a contract arrangement with Ngai Tahu who have employed staff to deliver non-criminal compliance services.

The Ministry of Fisheries has also signed a compliance contract with Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, for the iwi to provide non-criminal compliance services in their rohe, or customary fishing area. This service is part of the implementation and support of the Kaimoana Customary Fishing Regulations for the North and Chatham Islands. Two further contracts are under discussion with Iwi in the Wellington Region

As part of their contract, Ngati Kahungunu has employed a customary liaison person. This position provides a focus for establishing educational programmes and further develops Ministry of Fisheries ties with iwi/hapu and marae groups. Also within the rohe, the Ministry has appointed three new fishery officers - one each in Napier, Masterton and Wairoa - says Napier district compliance manager Ray McKay.

"Part of the initiative is about developing working relationships between Kaitiaki and the Ministry of Fisheries, as well as assisting Kaitiaki with their day to day management of the local area if required", Mr McKay says.

Currently the Ministry of Fisheries is limited to eight locations in the North Island and the Chatham Islands. The discussions to date have indicated that reliance on the existing locations would not provide the best support and protection of resources. In response, the Ministry is establishing a number of new office locations so that support can be provided locally.

New stations are being established in Waikato, Wairoa, Masterton, Whitianga and Opotiki with recruitment of Fishery Officer positions either commenced or completed.

Recruitment of Fishery Officers based in Whangarei, Auckland, Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier and Wellington has also commenced. The new recruits, along with those in the new stations, will attend a three-month residential training course commencing on September 3 1999, and will be ready to work prior to the summer season.

The new recruits will assist in dealing not only with issues associated with the new regulations, but all aspects of compliance relating to the protection of fisheries resources.

In addition to the appointments already made in Wairoa (1), Napier (1) and Masterton(1), the following are also underway: Whangarei/Dargiville (1), Auckland (2), Hamilton (1), Whitianga (1), Tauranga (one fishery officer and one liaison officer), Opotiki (1), Gisborne (1), Wellington (2) and Taranaki (1). The new officers at Hamilton, Whitianga and Opotiki will be supported by second appointments which are being advertised externally but from within existing staff numbers.

It is hoped that all 15 positions referred to above will be filled in time for the September Fishery Officer training course. Consultation will continue in other locations to complete the initiative implementation process and as agreement is reached, a further six appointments will be finalised. Those positions will be in: Kaitaia (one - supported by a second position from within existing staffing numbers), Whangarei (one fishery officer and one liaison officer), Auckland (one liaison officer) and Gisborne (one fishery officer).

As well as the contract with Ngati Kahungunu, the Ministry is discussing similar contracts with Te Atiawa and Ngati Toa.

Ends

For more information please contact:
MFish Communications
Alan Meek (04) 470 2643/ 021 822 588; or
Caren Pain (04) 470 2643/ 025 818 111