South Island Customary fishing legally unchanged

31 January 2002

SOUTH ISLAND CUSTOMARY FISHING LEGALLY UNCHANGED

The Ministry of Fisheries says there is no legal change to the Fisheries (South Island Customary Fishing) Regulations 1999, despite Ngai Tahu's termination of its contract.

"The legal situation is that the Fisheries (South Island Customary Fishing Regulations 1999 are still in place and are operating in the usual way," said Ministry of Fisheries Manager-Fisheries Rose Grindley.

"Kaitiaki are still operating, and legally customary fishers must still apply to Kaitiaki for fishing permits," she said. "In those areas where Kaitiaki have not yet been appointed, customary fishing also continues unchanged under Regulation 27 of the Fisheries (Amateur Fishing) Regulations 1986."

Ms Grindley said the Ministry of Fisheries had now received notification from Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu that it wishes to terminate the Agreement for Services between Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu and the Ministry of Fisheries.

The purpose of the Agreement for Services was to facilitate compliance with, and undertake education in relation to, the Fisheries (South Island Customary Fishing) Regulations 1999, and to implement the Tangata Tiaki/Kaitiaki provisions of those regulations. The contract for service does not impact in any way on the operation of the South Island Customary Fishing Regulations.

"The Ministry of Fisheries is disappointed at Ngai Tahu's decision to terminate its contract, and is absolutely committed to working with them," she said.

"The Ministry will meet with all South Island iwi in the near future to look at new and different ways of ensuring the effective administration of customary fishing regulations in the South Island."

For further information please contact
Rose Grindley, Ministry of Fisheries, Manager-Fisheries
Telephone 025 334 143