Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton announced that the Agreement in Principle is for a one-off cash payment of $97 million in full and final settlement of the current Crown obligations for “pre-commencement space” or aquaculture space that was approved between 21 September 1992 and 31 December 2004 under the previous marine farming regime.
According to Anderton the agreement in principle covers the vast majority of New Zealand’s aquaculture development areas including the Marlborough Sounds, Tasman Bay, and Hauraki Gulf along with the rest of the South Island. It si said that the agreement was reached between Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton, Treaty Negotiations Minister Michael Cullen, Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia and leaders representing the iwi of Hauraki, Ngati Apa ki Te Ra To, Ngati Koata, Ngati Kuia, Ngati Rarua, Ngai Tahu, Ngati Tama, Ngati Toa, Rangitane and Te Ati Awa (Te Tau Ihu).
Jim Anderton informed that the settling claims for commercial aquaculture space would give the aquaculture industry certainty. He added that aquaculture is a growth industry and has great potential for employment and investment opportunities for Maori. A cash settlement will provide iwi with the means to get into the business of aquaculture or make the choice to invest elsewhere. A cash settlement gives that flexibility.
Richard Bradley (Rangitane) opined that iwi had been waiting since 2004 for these obligations to be satisfied. He told that with no new aquaculture space being developed, iwi would have had to wait another five years to receive the financial equivalent. In effect, this agreement brings delivery of that forward by five years, it’s a significant move that will allow Maori in these regions to participate at various levels in an important industry.
