Customary Fisheries Regulations
Mahika Kai - South Island
Customary Fisheries Management
To secure and develop Ngāi Tahu customary fishing rights within a context of sustainable use of the fisheries resource Ngāi Tahu whānui must be empowered to take up their responsibilities in fisheries management. A number of Takata Tiakī/Kaitiaki have been established and trained throughout the Ngāi Tahu takiwā to encourage empowerment through voluntary compliance with Fisheries Laws.
As a result of the Sealord Deal, the Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Claims Settlement Act 1992, repealed Section 88(2) of the Fisheries Act 1983 and provided for non-commercial customary fishing rights to be given effect through regulations.
Why should I be responsible?
It is important that we conserve our fisheries now before it is too late. Over recent years, fish stocks have been depleted placing the survival of some species seriously at risk. By claiming our rights to customary fish we are accepting responsibility to look after the fishery for its sake and for the guaranteed future of the resource for ourselves and our mokopuna.
The South Island Customary Fisheries Regulations
These regulations recognise and provide for customary food gathering by tangata whenua. They also recognise the special relationship between tangata whenua and the places of importance for customary food gathering (including tauranga ika and mahinga mataitai). Customary food gathering is neither commercial nor for pecuniary gain or trade.
The South Island Customary Fisheries Regulations apply whenever you are fishing outside of amateur regulations. They form the framework for all the other tools.
How do I work within the regulations?
Prior to going customary fishing, under the regulations you must get authorisation from your local Tangata Tiaki to fish in their rohe moana. This requires going to their office to obtain authorisation or making alternative arrangements with the Tangata Tiaki, such as an authorisation by phone.
"The health of the people relies on the health of the fishery."
Contact details of your nearest Tangata Tiaki can be obtained from Toitū te Whenua on 0800 KAI TAHU.
Key things to remember with your authorisation
- It must be kept in your possession, or you must have alternative authorisation
- You must only catch those species specified on the authorisation
- Your catch is not to exceed the quantity specified
- It is only valid for the date and area specified
- You must report your catch within 5 days of fishing
Why do I have to record my catch?
If you can no longer catch a feed of fish as you used to, it's a good indication that over-fishing or habitat degradation has occurred. For this reason it is important that tangata whenua effectively manage the fishery in their rohe moana. By providing information to ensure that the fisheries resources are not being exploited, we will guarantee that we can always catch a feed for the whānau. A summary report of this catch information is provided to the Ministry of Fisheries on a quarterly basis. This information is used in the setting of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC).
For further explanation of the regulations refer to the "Guide to the South island Customary Fisheries Regulations" video or to the regulations themselves.
For further information contact nigel.scott@ngaitahu.iwi.nz