Formal Opening of New Fisheries Office At Petone

27 October 2000

The new Ministry of Fisheries office at Armidale Street, Petone will be formally opened today (Friday 27 October).

District Compliance manager for the Ministry, Ross Thurston said 10 staff are working from the new office, including two staff who have been appointed under a Maori customary initiative.

"We have a very functional and spacious office which is well located for easy access to both the East and West coasts," said Ross.

"The location of the office in Petone not only gives ample parking for staff and visitors but is centrally located for people from the customary, commercial and recreational fisheries to call and discuss fishing matters."

A feature of the formal opening will be the unveiling of a beautiful lintel, carved by Sam Hauwaho and Nake Davis, by Kaumatua Morvin Simon. The carving shows Tangaroa, the Mäori and Polynesian god of the sea. It is carved in the style of the local Iwi, the Taranaki w'anui/Te Ati awa people. The tribes of the four winds are represented by two figures either side of Tangaroa. Holding a plaited fishing rope, the figures are depicting the action of fishing while the small manaia heads attached to the rope represent fish species.

Attending the formal opening and unveiling of the lintel are Ministry of Fisheries staff, tangata whenua and members of the community.

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