Media release: Māori Fisheries Settlement not up for debate

25 February 2026

The Board of Te Ohu Kaimoana will be pursuing meetings with political leaders as a reminder that the Māori Fisheries Settlement is not up for debate. The action comes following recent comments and campaign commitments that could adversely affect and undermine the rights guaranteed to Māori through the 1992 Māori Fisheries Settlement.

“We are concerned with some of the rhetoric and policy commitments we have seen political leaders and parties espouse in the lead-up to the election that fundamentally lack consideration of the Māori Fisheries Settlement,” says Pahia Turia, Tumu Whakarae (Chair) of Te Ohu Kaimoana. “Particularly given the assurances by Government to uphold existing Treaty settlements.”

“We acknowledge that some of these positions may have been created in earnest and lack the knowledge and education of the legally binding fisheries settlement that affirm the rights held by Māori in this space; and as a result we will be actively seeking to work constructively with leaders and parties to ensure those rights and interests are adhered to in their policy and campaign commitments going forward”.

“We invite the development of policy and discussion that support positive innovation and improvements to the long-term sustainability of our fisheries and marine environment in Aotearoa. Such improvements must recognise the central place of Māori and the 1992 Fisheries Settlement in New Zealand's fisheries management regime. The Māori Fisheries Settlement is not up for debate.” says Turia.

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For media enquiries

Please contact Bede Dwyer, Brand and Communications Manager for Te Ohu Kaimoana via phone: 021-073-9684 or email: bede.dwyer@teohukaimoana.nz

About Te Ohu Kaimoana

Te Ohu Kaimoana is the successor to the Māori Fisheries Commission (1989) and Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commission (1992); working with and on behalf of 58 iwi organisations and Representative Māori Organisations to protect and enhance the Māori fisheries and aquaculture settlements. For more information, see our website: www.teohukaimoana.nz‍