Te Ohu Kaimoana Briefing to the Incoming Minister for Oceans and Fisheries 2017

This briefing was post the 2017 general election and prepared for the Ministers for Oceans and Fisheries as an introduction to Te Ohu Kaimoana, its priorities and the priorities of iwi in regard to fisheries and aquaculture for the Government term.

Below are the priorities that were communicated to the Government from the perspective of Te Ohu Kaimoana:

1. Implementation of the Māori Fisheries Review through an amended Maori Fisheries Act
2. Develop and promote options to improve marine management while recognising Māori fisheries rights, including those expressed through the QMS and the Aquaculture Settlements
3. Strengthen the QMS to ensure all sectors have an incentive to take responsibility for their share of the Total Allowable Catch
4. Ensure policies on marine protection distinguish sustainability from preservation (which treats non-use as a form of utilisation)
5. Ensure that where fishing is prohibited for reasons other than sustainability, Māori rights are protected or amended only by agreement
6. Ensure the customary fisheries framework is working for Iwi, hapū and whānau, consistent with the Deed of Settlement
7. Build strong relationships with relevant Ministers and senior bureaucrats and councils