Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton told that the Aotea Harbour mätaitai reserve has been set up on the south-west coast of the Waikato. He informed that the reserve encompasses Aotea Harbour and the coastal waters outside the harbour. The reserve covers approximately 40 km2. According to him the mātaitai reserves are established under customary fishing regulations and recognise traditional Mäori fishing-grounds that are important for customary food-gathering.
It is said that the reserve would allow the local tangata whenua to advise the Minister of Fisheries directly on how best to manage fishing in the area. It would also allow Ngā Hapū o Aotea Moana to more effectively manage non-commercial fishing in these important traditional fishing-grounds. Anderton told, “The reserve recognises the strong and enduring connection the hapū has with this area.”
He further says the reserve will have no effect on the local community’s ability to go fishing or gather shellfish under the existing recreational allowances. According to Jim Anderton the customary seafood-gathering for Mäori cultural purposes would be governed by authorisations issued by appointed guardians. He added that the ministry will carefully consider any fishing restriction recommended by the guardians but would have to approve them before they come into effect.
Anderton also said that the reserve will have no effect on the commercial fishers as it will not prevent then from taking their catch entitlements. He informed that the mätaitai reserve will come into effect on 8 May 2008.
