Te Rōpū Whakamana (TRW)
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Jim Hutcheson
Coastal Hapū Collective |
Harry Mikaere
Kahungunu Asset Holding Company |
Tom Paku
Te Kupenga A Whitirauroa a Maui |
Ngahiwi Tomoana
Ngāti Kahungunu
Iwi Inc. |
Fisheries Management Unit
An iwi Fisheries Management Unit has recently been established at the iwi office. Dr Adele Whyte is the Pouarataki – Ngā Tini A Tangaroa Director of Fisheries and Ngaio Tiuka is the Kaimātai Ngā Tini A Tangaroa Fisheries Analyst. There are a number of planned activities that will help achieve the vision. They are open and ready for business and ready to engage with anybody who shares the KKUKKT goals and vision for the future.
Be informed and contribute to our future?
“Te Wānanga o Kahungunu Ki Uta, Ki Tai” is a series of 1-night noho that will be held across the rohe for hapū to come together to share and develop their rohe moana (marine and freshwater) plans. The first noho will be held at Matahiwi marae, on Friday 30th July starting at 2pm and will finish on Sat 31st July at 2pm. The agenda will be confirmed and information will be sent out through Panui ki te iwi. This series will culminate with a Kahungunu ki Uta, Kahungunu ki Tai summit to be held in March 2011.
INTRODUCING THE FISH UNIT
Dr Adele Whyte: Pouarataki - Ngā Tini A Tangaroa - Director of Fisheries
Ko Takitimu te waka
Ko Ruahapia me Waipatu ngā Marae
Ko Ngāti Hawea te hapū
Ko Ngāti Kahungunu te iwi
Adele was born in Hastings and grew up in Napier attending Napier Girls High School. After completing her schooling, Adele went to Victoria University of Wellington and completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Ecology & Biodiversity and Genetics. In 2000 with the support of her whānau, Adele was awarded the first of two prestigious scholarships to complete her Masters and then her PhD research. Adele’s master’s research investigated the origins of Maori and Pacific peoples using DNA. For her PhD research she investigated the use of mussels as indicators of marine pollution. Adele is a long-term mentor for Te Rōpū Āwhina – whānau for Māori and Pacific students studying science at Victoria.
After graduating in 2006 Adele was employed by Victoria University as a lecturer and researcher in the School of Biological Sciences teaching courses in Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Marine Conservation, during this time she was also acting as a technical advisor to the Kahungunu ki Uta, Kahungunu ki Tai steering group. Adele is very pleased to be home and to have the opportunity to use her qualifications to contribute to her iwi development by working on this exciting and important kaupapa. After the birth of her son Max last year, Adele is more determined than ever to ensure that our resources are used in a sustainable manner so that there is something left for future generations. When Adele isn’t working she enjoys spending time with friends and whānau, relaxing with good food and conversation and reading.
Ngaio Tiuka: Kaimatai Nga Tini A Tangaroa – Fisheries Analyst
Ko Mātaatua te waka
Ko Mātaatua, ko Te Kuhatarewa ngā marae
Ko Te Whai a te Motu, ko te Poho o Hinekura Ruapani ngā whare tipuna
Ko Te Urewera, ko Ngāti Hinekura nga hapū
Ko Whakatāne te awa
Ko Waikaremoana te wai kaukau a ōku matua tipuna
Ko Manawaru, Huiarau, Tarapounamu me Maungapohatu aku Maunga karangaranga
Ko Tūhoe, Ko Ruapani ngā iwi
Ko au he toenga nō rātau ma.
Born and raised in Hastings and educated at Te Aute College, Ngaio graduated from Victoria University in 2002, with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Environmental Studies and Geography, tailoring his studies towards his interest in natural resource management for Maori.
Ngaio spent over 6 years working for Statistics New Zealand in a range of subject matter areas, initially in the Māori Statistics Unit, exploring existing statistics about Māori and developing information of more use and relevance for Maori, particularly in the environmental field. Ngaio then joined the environment team where he analyzed and reported on energy and forestry statistics. From there Ngaio joined the National Accounts Division, analyzing the nation’s industry and commodity statistics to produce figures that contributed towards national economic information such as the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Prior to his new role Ngaio spent a year working at the Takitimu Māori Land Court, registering land titles with Land Information New Zealand.
Ngaio enjoys growing his own kai, diving, hunting (but, does not profess to be a master) and rugby league, he is also interested in current events and politics. He is thrilled to be back working for his people in an area of huge interest and importance to himself and his whānau.
What have the FISH UNIT been doing? – A few highlights from our diary.
Hui-a-Iwi was held at Rongomaraeroa Marae in Porangahau on 24th of April to update everyone on the implementation of the KKUKKT strategy (see hui summary below). This was a valuable opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitments to the goals and aspirations outlined in the KKUKKT strategy.
A communication strategy was developed based on feedback from hapū members at the Hui-a-Iwi (see page 7). This newsletter is a key component of our communication strategy to ensure that hapū get regular updates on what is happening in our rohe. Instead of bi-monthly, as was initially suggested, this newsletter will be written on an ad-hoc (as needed basis) to ensure that the Fish Unit are able to focus on their other mahi.
A Statement of Intent and an Annual Plan for the Fish Unit has been developed based on the aims and objectives of the KKUKKT strategy – as such aspirations from hapū members have been incorporated into the Fish Unit annual work plan. Once finalised by the NKII board at their next hui in July, these documents will be available from our website www.kahungunu.iwi.nz.
A national Eel Fisheries workshop was held in Whakatane and attended by representatives from our Fish Unit, our Asset Holding company and hapū. See our feature article page 8 for a full account of this event from these different viewpoints.
Te Rōpū Whakamana, the governance group for the Fish Unit, met on 9th July. Please see page 12 of this newsletter for an overview of this meeting and a summary of the action points.
e-Fish is an online electronic reporting tool that kaitiaki can use to help them to manage and record their permits. It allows hapū to record and manage their permits in a central database that can only be accessed by hapū members and their nominated administrator. Adele had the opportunity to see the system in action. The possible use of this system to help us gather our own information to more effectively manage our fishing areas will be discussed at one of our upcoming rohe moana planning wānanga. See http://www.efish.co.nz/ for further information.
COMMUNICATION STRATEGY
Internal (within iwi) communication will occur through interactions between the Iwi Fish Unit (and NKII CE), Te Rōpū Whakamana and Hapū (Figure One). Communication will occur via the following activities:
- Four meetings of Te Rōpū Whakamana per year.
- A summary of action points from Te Rōpū Whakamana hui shall be made available via the Fish Unit newsletter and the website.
- Two Hui-a-Iwi per year to update all those interested in the KKUKKT strategy.
- Meeting minutes from hui-a-hapū will be circulated to attendees and made generally available upon request. A summary will appear in the Fish Unit newsletter and via the website.
- Email updates via a Fish Unit newsletter to all interested in the progress of the implementation plan and activities undertaken by the Iwi Fisheries Management Unit.
- Regular updates in the iwi newsletter Hoea Rā.
- Establishment and regular maintenance of a designated website. Include “chat” facilities on the website at a later date if possible.
- Creation, maintenance and regular updates of a calendar detailing up and coming fisheries events.
- Directly working with hapū on implementation of the KKUKKT Strategy.
Figure One: Integrated governance and internal communication overview.
External Communication
External agencies are expected to engage with Kahungunu hapū through the Fish Unit (as per the “one door” policy). The Fish Unit will direct issues to the appropriate hapū, the KKUKKT Forum, Te Rōpū Whakamana or other groups within the iwi as appropriate. This will enable the development of an ‘overview’ of what is happening across the rohe.
Eels - an overview of the National Eel Fisheries Workshop held on the 27 – 28 May 2010
The inaugural National Eel workshop, hosted by Ngāti Awa Customary Fisheries Authority, Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi and the Mai i Ngā Kuri a Wharei ki Tihirau (Bay of Plenty Iwi Regional Fisheries Forum) agreed that a co-ordinated approach on a national platform is necessary to address two things:
- Improving the status of the long fin and short fin eel in the wild, including habitat enhancement to rebuild the wild fishery; and
- The need to close the life cycle of the eel to have a sustainable business in eel aquaculture.
Both of these objectives require support, participation and investment of all sectors – western science and mātauranga Māori, commercial and customary fishers and interests, Central and regional/local government.The Recommendations from the workshop were:
- Establish a national eel association and set up a working group to progress this; Establish a national eel research strategy;
- Develop a pilot customary eel farm.
A commercial perspective
North Island short fin and long fin eels were introduced to the QMS (quota management system) in 2004/05. This occurred in the face of declining catch levels and the TACC was subsequently reduced only 3 years later in 2007/08. Regulations for commercial eeling include minimum and maximum size limits, with significant areas closed to commercial fishing (30% of the North Island and 34% if the South Island). Although recent monitoring of recruitment shows promising signs of recovery with elver numbers improving, there remains a huge concern about the environmental impacts on the wild fishery.
Commercial fishermen report fewer locations for fishing as land is converted to other uses, predominantly farming. In the past 200 years New Zealand has lost 98% of its wetlands habitat. Eels have to traverse, manmade obstructions, both physical and environmental, and semi natural obstruction in their passage from the sea to freshwater habitat and back to the sea for spawning and to complete their life cycle.
In New Zealand there is a restriction in place for the taking of glass eels for commercial purposes. As the wild stocks around the world decline, worldwide demand for eels is greater than can be supplied with packaged eel product fetching $120 per kg in some markets, compared to $80 per kg of similar salmon product. Other countries are farming eels but all depend on wild stocks of glass eels which are fed and conditioned for the market. Some markets have closed access to farmed eels due to concerns over the quality of the water and farming practises. Clearly the current overseas practise of framing eels grown from glass eels taken from the wild is unsustainable.
The answer to the market demand must lie in farming eels from egg to adult in a closed system. Scientists around the world, including our own scientists at NIWA, Cawthron, Otago University and Mahurangi Institute of Technology, have been researching eels to better understand the habits and needs of the species and working to close the life cycle of the eel in captivity. There has been limited success to date but when it is achieved it will revolutionise the eel business, from farming to market.
he Ministry of Fisheries have being given charge of aquaculture development. Marine aquaculture is the priority this coming year and freshwater will be addressed in 2011-2012 through a single National Freshwater Plan. Legislation governing the farming of freshwater species is no longer fit for purpose and overdue for reform to enable any kind of commercial eel aquaculture. It crosses areas of responsibility of the Ministry of Fisheries, Department of Conservation and Fish and Game and requires resource consents through regional councils and the Resource Management Act. Of the eighty active land based fish farms, only 10 are licensed to farm eels, 3 are doing something with eels but, not one is producing farmed eels.
To address these issues the Government has added the aquaculture portfolio to the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. The Ministry of Fisheries has established an aquaculture business unit. A jurisdictional review of legislative responsibilities in freshwater is proposed.
Kahungunu Asset Holding Company Ltd has withheld its eel ACE from sale and from fishing for the past two years. KAHC welcomes a discussion with hapū around our collective aspirations for the business of eels, eel research, stock and habitat enhancement.
Nā, Aramanu Ropiha – General Manager, Kahungunu Asset Holding Company
A non-commercial customary perspective
The workshop goal was to get key players together and to identify research that will help Maori sustainably manage the eel fisheries, understand the barriers to customary and commercial farming and develop an action plan on eel farming. Present were representatives of iwi, government and non-government agencies, scientists and researchers. The hospitality of our hosts was outstanding.
We heard that the eel habitat is subject to ongoing degradation and ultimately loss. This is often associated with agricultural imperatives and includes drainage, removal of vegetation, poor water quality and also obstructions such as culverts, dams and electrical power generation. The annual habitat loss is not quantified however.
Although it was agreed that improving the fishery in the wild was the critical task, aquaculture was recognised as being able to contribute to improvements both for commercialism and the wild stocks. It was acknowledged that the tuna is a mysterious creature of which not enough is known at present for aquaculture to succeed.
There was a strong feeling especially amongst kaumatua present that western science did not fully appreciate the relevance of matauranga Maori to understanding of the tuna.
Nā Haami Te Whaiti
An Integrated (Iwi) Perspective
For those who have a vested interest in Tuna (eels), the recent two day hui provided a well overdue and timely opportunity for representatives from iwi, government agencies, non-government agencies, and the science and research sector to get together and listen to each other’s stories, experiences, mahi and perspectives. They were all very different, which in turn means there was a lot to be learnt by all those who attended and participated over the two days (and one night). It was unfortunate that the hui wasn’t longer and more stakeholders especially Māori couldn’t be present to listen and learn.
It would be fair to say that iwi and hapū across the motu have interests in all matters to do with tuna, born of our whakapapa and grown from our appetite (for manaakitanga); from environmental sustainability to any kind of eeling: customary, commercial or recreational. It would also be fair to say that the scientists and researchers have almost the same (but different) breadth of interests, without the whakapapa and perhaps appetite. Yes, Māori and Western Science can be worlds apart, so can business and sustainable environmental management but, this was an excellent opportunity to share, learn and benefit from each other (and at times have a good moan).
In brief, the picture I gathered from the hui was that habitat degradation is widespread and the removal of vegetation or tree cover (Willows) wreaks havoc on the quality of life of tuna particularly for our long finned tuna or Orea, who like to hide in the shade, in banks and venture far up our stream tributaries. If the tuna are lucky enough not to hit a dam, get minced by a power generator, stuck at a culvert, caught in a hinaki or “kill zone”, there’s a high chance the tuna will be exposed to unhealthy nutrient and oxygen levels, poor water quality, industrial discharge, and then probably have to compete with introduced animals, plants or stood on by a cow. Well, live surf and turf interaction probably won’t occur, but agriculture has greatly reshaped and adversely affected what used to be prime tuna habitat.
Aqua culture research and closing the life cycle of eels was a major talking point, whether it’s for the commercial market, which is in high demand, high end and worth millions, (Europe and Asia, respectively) or for enhancement (i.e. replenishing the natural environment with eels). Before aqua culture (farming eels) becomes a viable option there is still a lot of work to do. One of the suggestions from the workshop that may contribute to aquaculture, as well as understanding and protecting our eels, was a national research working group and strategy that involves researchers and scientists of both iwi and western methodologies.
Another suggested outcome was the formation of a national stakeholder group, to liaise with those who are responsible for environmental management, regulations and laws associated with tuna, this may be challenging but the will is there. I think a common interest everyone shared was sustainability; sustainability for the future, sustainability of the tuna, sustainability of their environment, sustainability of our stories, traditions and practices around tuna, and sustainability of ourselves.
I would like to thank and acknowledge all the contributors and organizers especially Ngāti Awa. If you are interested in talking further about eels in Kahungunu and or the conference, please feel free to contact me, details provided towards the end of the newsletter.
Nā, Ngaio Tiuka - Fisheries Analyst, Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated
KAHUNGUNU ASSET HOLDING COMPANY LIMITED (KAHC)
Kahungunu Asset Holding Company Ltd is the entity established in 2005 under the Māori Fisheries Act 2004, to receive and manage the Treaty Fisheries Settlement Assets on behalf of ngā hapū o Ngāti Kahungunu and Rongomaiwahine and is 100% owned by Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated (NKII).
NKII appoints directors to the company and agrees a Statement of Intent with the company that guides its direction and performance. The company meets regularly with its shareholder and pays an annual dividend of $1.4M.
The KAHC Board directors are Harry Mikaere (chairman), Christine Teariki, Peter Brierley and Chris O’Reilly. Aramanu Ropiha is the General Manager and sole employee.
The population based settlement (census 2001) was received in 2006 and is made up of quota shares in deepwater species and shares in Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd (AFL). The coastline based settlement received in July 2009 is made up of quota shares in inshore species.
The settlement is recorded in the company’s accounts at the value recorded by Te Ohu Kaimoana at the time of transfer. That is:
- Quota shares $26,370,371
- Shares AFL $19,874,735
- Cash $1,828,345
KAHC has a comprehensive Investment Strategy including guidelines and principles which are being used to manage activities and decisions in these areas. Some of the key principles in this are:
- Maximizing wealth for the long term while protecting and growing the assets;
- A low/medium risk profile;
- Long term horizon;
- Diversification;
- Seek investments where KAHC can add or extract unique value.
- Maximisation of benefit from Charitable Status
KAHC has made investments in Fiordland Lobster Company Ltd – valued at cost $953,850 and in CRA4 quota $360,000. It has ACE arrangements with Hawkes Bay Seafoods and Northland Deepwater Partnership and continues to seek opportunities to add value to the annual lease rounds by investment or profit share arrangements with companies who excel in the business of fishing, processing and marketing seafood.
Shares owned by NKII in the Napier Mussels Ltd were transferred to KAHC and more recently, the company was mandated by NKII to negotiate the aquaculture settlement on behalf of Ngāti Kahungunu. This will form the third part of the fisheries settlement.
KAHC is actively managing its responsibilities as a quota owner, engaging with Commercial Stakeholder Organisations, Te Ohu Kaimoana and AFL to ensure it optimises return on the asset base. The company is an active participant in the Kahungunu ki Uta, Kahungunu ki Tai Marine and Freshwater Fisheries Strategy and looks forward to updating hapū on its activities through this newsletter and at hui a hapū.
HUI SUMMARY
Iwi-a-Hapū; 24th April, 2010; Rongomaraeroa Marae
- Discussion of a letter written by CHC regarding the governance structure of Te Rōpū Whakamana and development of a communication strategy to ensure that everyone is kept informed of the progress towards implementing the KKUKKT strategy and the activities of the iwi Fish Unit.
- A presentation was given by the Fish Unit to update everybody on the progress of the implementation of the KKUKKT Marine and Freshwater strategy.
- A presentation was given by the Kahungunu Asset Holding Company to report on its past, present and future investment strategies.
- Paper entitled “History of the Māori Fisheries” written from the viewpoint of John Black was tabled for distribution to hui attendees.
- Short presentation given by Daren Coulston based on the principle of “mana whenua, mana moana”.
Te Rōpū Whakamana; 9th July, 2010; NKII Offices
- Fish unit to amend previous minutes and research previous pataka and eel management plans.
- Fish unit to provide co-ordination for series of iwi fish wānanga, first scheduled for July 30th-31st. Distribute panui, and establish agenda which includes developing rohe moana plans/ frameworks, customary permits, compliance review, pataka system.
- Kahungunu ki Uta, Kahungunu ki Tai policies, protocols and plans reviewed and ratified:
- Communication Strategy; Remuneration Policy; Terms of Reference
- Database and Intellectual Property Protocols
- Statement of Intent, Annual Plan
- Fish Unit newsletter – Hurumanu – distribute on ad hoc basis.
- Future Fish Conference to (probably be) held elsewhere – Kahungunu (ki uta, Kahungunu ki tai) to hold own conference.
UPCOMING FISHERIES EVENTS AND HUI
Event |
Location |
Date
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“Te Wānanga o Kahungunu ki Uta, ki Tai” |
Matahiwi Marae, 272 Lawn Road
HERETAUNGA |
Friday 30th July, 2pm – Saturday 31st July, 2pm |
COMING UP IN THE NEXT ISSUE:
- The Ancient Kaupapa of Takitimu Fisheries
- An update on the first “Te Wānanga o Kahungunu ki Uta, ki Tai”
- A simple guide to key events in the Fisheries Settlement process
- Decoding all of those confusing and mystifying acronyms like QMA, ACE, TACC etc.
COMMENTS?
Did you enjoy this first issue? What would you like to see in future issues? Your comments, good and bad are welcome. Thanks.
CONTACT DETAILS
Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated
Fisheries Management Team
Dr Adele Whyte or Ngaio Tiuka
Ph: 06 872718 extn 714 or 710
Toll free 0800 524 864
Email: adele@kahungunu.iwi.nz or ngaio@kahungunu.iwi.nz
The Hurumanu newsletter and content within is protected under Copyright ©, Kia ora for reading.
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