Mataitai reserve takes shape
Members of Te Tai Tapu Mātaitati Reserve management committee at a meeting last Sunday: from left, John Ward-Holmes, Barney Thomas, Laurelee Duff, Kirstie MacLeod, John Waugh, Grant Wyllie, Brett Hart. Photo: Neil Wilson
Members of Te Tai Tapu Mātaitati Reserve management committee at a meeting last Sunday: from left, John Ward-Holmes, Barney Thomas, Laurelee Duff, Kirstie MacLeod, John Waugh, Grant Wyllie, Brett Hart.
The mātaitai will be officially opened at the Paturau River mouth at noon on 16 April.
The mātaitai concept is an iwi-driven initiative to reserve areas of customary importance for recreational and customary fishing only. It is backed up by the full authority of the Ministry of Fisheries. The Te Tai Tapu mātaitai is unique for two reasons: it received 100 per cent community support at the public meeting called to discuss it and the management committee is made up of iwi representatives as well as representatives of the local community.
“The community representation is absolutely crucial,” said Manawhenua ki Mohua kaumatua John Ward-Holmes. “The mātaitai would not have happened without the energy and active support of people from our community, both out at the coast and in the whole Bay. Having Brett Hart and Grant Wyllie on the committee is important because they are out there all the time and they know what goes on. The other community reps are crucial too. Iwi don’t want to make this exclusive in any way. Keeping the mātaitai zone for recreational and customary fishing only means that everyone can hopefully get a feed of paua – without a special permit – now and in the future.”
John said that the management committee would be pleased to see a big turnout of supporters from the community at the official opening.
Neil Wilson
