Whale Island mātaitai 2024

DECISION: PENDING

Introduction

On 31 July 2024 Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) advised that Ngāti Awa had applied for a mātaitai around Moutohorā Island (Whale Island) and the Rurima Island group in the eastern Bay of Plenty. The mātaitai would extend 500 metres offshore from the islands.

Fisheries New Zealand advertised the application in the local paper, the Whakatane Beacon, on Wednesday 31 July and 14 August 2024. A public meeting was held at Te Whare o Toroa (Wairaka) Marae, Whakatane, on 21 August.

A further process to consult with people who have a fishing interest in the stock or stocks in the application area will follow the this initial consultation period.

Submissions in response to the application were due with FNZ by 16 September 2024.

Submission

The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council worked with the LegaSea team, the New Zealand Angling & Casting Association and New Zealand Underwater Association to develop a submission in response to the proposal.

The joint submission supported the application on the basis that the mātaitai will be created for the benefit of mana whenua and the community.

The local NZSFC affiliated club, the Whakatane Sportfishing Club, has indicated its willingness to contribute to future discussions regarding the ongoing management of the area if the mātaitai is approved by the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Shane Jones.

Relevant information

2024

Submission

Proposal