Fisheries
There are two core Fisheries activities of the MMTB.
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Te Ohu Kai Moana (TOKM)
- Maniapoto Fisheries Assets
- Panui - Outcome of vote
- AHC Constitution 2006
TOKM are managing the transfer of the fisheries settlement assets as legislated under the Maori Fisheries Act 2004 to Mandate Iwi Organisations (MIO) subject to the organization meeting allocation criteria set by TOKM. The MMTB is a Recognised Iwi Authority (RIO) not a Mandated Iwi Authority. We are working with TOKM to Meet certain criteria before reaching MIO status.
An option in meeting the Constitutional / Trust Deed requirements of TOKM is to establish a 'Trust' under 24c of the Trust Boards Act 1955. TOKM will also need to be satisfied with the threshold of Maniapoto beneficiaries on the Maniapoto Iwi Register.
We are optimistic Maniapoto will reach MIO status for the Deepwater Allocation based on population by mid 2006.
The Inshore allocation and that party of the Deepwater Allocation which includes a coastline factor will require inter Iwi tribal boundary agreements. Such agreements will be specific to the Maori Fisheries Act 2004 and refer to percentage share of coastline lengths in any given Fishing Management Area as opposed to whenua points/landmarks.
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Raukura Moana Fisheries Ltd (RMFL)
Richard Batley is the GM for RMFL and was the Maniapoto representative on the RMFL Board of Directors up until 31 December 2005. Vance Winiata is now the MMTB elected Maniapoto Director on RMFL.
Two key issues to be resolved in 2006 will be whether Maniapoto increases its shareholding in RMFL to 33% (it currently holds an 18% shareholding) and to determine the correct quota apportionment between Maniapoto and Waikato with regard to the TOKM inshore quota allocation.
We are working with Waikato (Tainui Group Holdings Ltd) in resolving these issues.
Both issues cannot be resolved until more complete information is to hand to make a well informed decision. The option to purchase additional shares has been exercised subject to price acceptance to Maniapoto. The correct quota apportionment determination will require a specialist to assist and investigation into the TOKM quota lease payments to RMFL since 2000.