| The Hokianga Accord |
|
|
 |
Inspired by each other, Māori and non-Māori in the North of New Zealand have decided to gather together to achieve better outcomes for all non-commercial, recreational and customary, fishermen. The group is called the Hokianga Accord. With some fantastic cooperation by their leaders, many iwi are learning so much about the importance of improving the health of our fisheries for the benefit of future generations.
Māori have substantial interests in all three categories of fishing - commercial, customary and most of all, recreational.
Ngāpuhi are so keen to protect this recreational fishing interest they have filed an affidavit supporting the Kahawai Legal Challenge. The chairman of Te Runanga A Iwi O Ngāpuhi, Sonny Tau, made the following statement after the May 2005 hui:
"The vast majority of the time Māori go fishing, it is to feed our whanau (families). When we do this we are categorised as recreational fishers. This is why we have joined the legal action".
|
|
|
|
|
More fish in the water
Kia maha atu nga ika i roto te wai
People involved in the group include the following fishing interests:
- Commercial
- Recreational
- Customary
- Environmental
Formed in 2005, the Hokianga Accord has regular hui (meetings). Tangata whenua involved include Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whatua, Ngāti Wai, Te Rarawa, and Tainui representatives.
Recreational representatives and organisations including option4, the New Zealand Big Game Fishing Council and the New Zealand Recreational Fishing Council have also participated in the hui.
Hui are open forums; individuals and other groups are encouraged to get involved.
For more information on the Hokianga Accord please visit the option4 website
|
|
|
|
|
| Identifying Fish |
| The Fish identification system is now online. Come and have a try at identifying some of our most common species of fish. Not sure how to differentiate a sand flounder from a yellowbelly flounder? Here is where you can find out. |
| Send us your pictures |
| We want your fishing pics! Send us a picture of your great (and not so great!) fishing pics and we will load them here on the site. |
| Staying Safe while fishing |
| New Zealand has a long and fantastic coastline, and offers so many opportunities for boat, rock and beach fishing. But anyone can get into difficulty or worse when on and around the water. There are some basic things you can do to ensure that your fishing is safe and enjoyable. |
|
