Dominion Post (New Zealand), May 17, 1007

MAORI FISHING TRUST ATTACKS MINISTRY

[Rachel's introduction: In New Zealand, the Maori fisheries trust (Te Ohu Kaimoana) says the precautionary principle is being used to limit Maori fishing rights.]

By Nick Churchouse

Maori fishery group Te Ohu Kaimoana has accused the Fisheries Ministry of misleading the Government and damaging the industry and Maori interests.

The Maori fisheries trust, responsible for allocating Maori fisheries settlements and the owner of New Zealand's largest Maori fisheries company, Aotearoa Fisheries, has demanded the Government withdraw the Fisheries Amendment Bill, which it says will erode Maori fisheries settlements.

Te Ohu Kaimoana director Ngahiwi Tomoana said papers released under the Official Information Act showed ministry officials had covered up bad advice by telling the Government to change the law so it would win more court cases on fishery management decisions.

"It appears that instead of admitting to their minister that they got it wrong, the ministry advised him that the Fisheries Act wasn't in line with the internationally recognised precautionary principle, that it was deficient and that it needed to be changed," he said.

The Fisheries Amendment Bill aims to redress the balance between utilisation and sustainability when setting catch limits for fishermen each year. Sustainability would be the leading concern when fish population data was unclear.

Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton said the bill was a long-term plan.

"When the future of our valuable fisheries is at stake, for me, the answer is simple. If we have uncertain information about a fish stock, decision makers must act cautiously and make a decision that ensures long-term sustainability," he said.

But Mr Tomoana said the new law was unnecessary, lacked consultation and would generate more litigation.

The current legislation identified with the precautionary principle but the new bill gave the minister power arbitrarily to restrict fishing limits, he said.

That would marginalise the Maori allocation of New Zealand fisheries, just as it would commercial interests, he said.

"Maori are continually dealing with ministry proposals that could reduce the value of the Maori fisheries settlement -- supposedly all in the name of sustainability," Mr Tomoana said.

Mr Anderton said that view was short-sighted.

Copyright Fairfax New Zealand Limited 2007