Review of Customary Fishing Rules
The amateur fishing regulations providing for customary fishing are to be reviewed. Most customary fishing is currently done under Regulation 27 of the Fisheries (Amateur Fishing) Regulations 1986. These regulations allow any group identifying itself as tangata whenua of an area to appoint people to authorise the taking of fish for hui or tangi.
In the long term, the goal is to have all customary fishing covered by the Kaimoana Customary Fishing Regulations, which have been developed in accordance with the 1992 Maori Fisheries Settlement. However until the customary fishing regulations can be put in place throughout NZ, most customary fishing will continue to be carried out under Regulation 27. This regulation has been tightened twice - most recently a year ago - but there is evidence of continuing abuse by a small minority of fishers. The review of Regulation 27 will focus on the rules around the issuing of permits, as investigations indicate this is the main area of abuse.
Contact for Enquiries
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Tel: 0800 00 83 33
Fax: +64 4 894 0720
Contact this person
