Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton informed that a mataitai reserve over waters surrounding Mt Maunganui and part of Tauranga Harbour in Bay of Plenty is to be established soon. It is said that the Mataitai Reserves are authorised under the Kaimoana Customary Fishing Regulations and recognise traditional Mäori fishing grounds that are important for customary food gathering.
The mataitai reserves also allow the local Tauranga Moana – Ngaiterangi, Ngäti Ranginui and Ngäti Pukenga, to advise the Minister of Fisheries directly on how best to manage fishing in the local area. According to Jim Anderton this mätaitai reserve would allow the Tauranga Moana to more effectively manage customary fishing in important traditional fishing grounds. He told that the reserve recognises the strong and enduring connection the hapu has with this area.
Jim Anderton said the Mt Maunganui mätaitai reserve would have no effect on the local community’s ability to go fishing or gather shellfish under the existing recreational allowances. He told that he carefully considering any fishing restriction recommended by the guardians and must approve them before they come into effect.
