The decision surprised local Maori but disappointed fishers who earn a living in the area. The ministry has confirmed a MATAITAI fishing reserve and will take effect from April. Maori has applied for the reserve 18 months ago and the decision came as a surprise to many. Maori groups have welcomed the decision as their guardians will oversee the new reserve. On the other hand the commercial fishing industry express its disappointment saying that the decision would threaten the livelihood of divers and threaten to disrupt the reemerging paua industry.
The reserve covers about 2.34 sq km where commercial fishing will be banned but recreational and customary fishing is allowed in the reserve area between Tirohanga and Campbell Point, south of Kaka Point. According to the ministry mataitai reserves recognise traditional Maori fishing grounds that are important for customary food gathering.
Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton said that the Kaka Point mataitai would allow the Awarua rununga to more effectively manage customary fishing in what was an important and traditional gathering area. He added that the mataitai would have no effect on the local community’s ability to go fishing or gather shellfish under existing rules.
He further said that the guardians of the reserve might recommend bylaws to the ministry that could impose some restrictions but any restrictions would apply equally to everyone fishing within the reserve boundaries. Strom Stanley, PauaMac5 chairman, said that some divers would be directly affected in what was a very productive coastline.
