The Board of Te Ohu Kaimoana has announced it will pursue urgent meetings with political leaders to affirm that the 1992 Māori Fisheries Settlement is non-negotiable.
The action follows recent comments and campaign commitments from political parties that the Board warns could “adversely affect and undermine the rights guaranteed to Māori” through the landmark settlement.
“We are concerned with some of the rhetoric and policy commitments we have seen political leaders and parties espouse in the lead-up to the election that fundamentally lack consideration of the Māori Fisheries Settlement,” said Pahia Turia, Tumu Whakarae of Te Ohu Kaimoana.
Source: Te Ohu Kaimoana
“Given the assurances by Government to uphold existing Treaty settlements,” he said emphasising the legally binding nature of the settlement.
Te Ohu Kaimoana will be “actively seeking to work constructively with leaders and parties” to ensure Māori rights and interests are adhered to in their policy and campaign commitments.
The organisation noted that some of the adverse positions “may have been created in earnest and lack the knowledge and education of the legally binding fisheries settlement that affirm the rights held by Māori in this space.”
Mr. Turia concluded with an invitation for political discussion that supports innovation and the long-term sustainability of Aotearoa’s fisheries, provided such improvements “must recognise the central place of Māori and the 1992 Fisheries Settlement in New Zealand’s fisheries management regime.” He reiterated the Board’s firm position: “The Māori Fisheries Settlement is not up for debate.”