Mark Ngata, Ngati Porou Seafoods Group CEO, described the signing of the agreement as “a watershed moment” in the history of Māori fisheries.
“This unique partnership very much aligns with the intent of the Māori fisheries settlement, which envisaged Māori working collectively together, large and small, for the benefit of all. This is what our tipuna fought so hard for,” he says.
“The journey towards reaching this signing is the culmination of like-minded people within Māori fisheries, including Sealord, working towards a common goal, which I am very proud to be part of.”
Maru Samuels, General Manager, of the Iwi Collective Partnership said the arrangement provides significant opportunities for Māori.
“This collaboration has only been possible due to the shared values and aspirations of all parties, as well confidence in Sealord as a leader in New Zealand’s deep sea fisheries.”
Sealord Board Chair Whaimutu Dewes (also Chair of Moana New Zealand which jointly owns Sealord), said while Sealord signed a similar agreement with some separate iwi collectives in 2014, this deal is different.
“This is not just about increasing returns – it is a business decision that is founded on tikanga Māori where all parties are taking learnings from earlier arrangements to better manage our fisheries assets. Together, we want to lift our sights higher to ensure fisheries continue to be managed sustainably, using best practice, with improved performance.
“Taku toa he toa takitini; ehara i te toa takitahi. (Our achievements are brought by the effort of many.)”
Te Kupenga spokesperson Tony Magner said the agreement for Te Kupenga and Maniapoto iwi, provides an “ACE plus return”.
"We share a common recognition that quota is taonga that must be protected for future generations and that this can be achieved whilst maximising the income from this valuable asset," he said.
