Te Ohu Kaimoana Annual Plan 2025

Ko Te Ohu Kaimoana mātau, ā, ko tā mātau he tautoko i ngā iwi ki te tiaki me te whakahaumako i ā rātau taonga moana.

Ko tō mātau kaha e ahu mai ana i te matatauranga me te mōhio pū ki te taiao moana, otirā, te ngākaunui ki te tuku i ngā hua pai rawa i rungai te tikanga atamai, toitū hoki mō te iwi.

E pono ana mātau kei ngā kete mātauranga me ngā tikanga tukuiho te ara hai whai mā tātou i runga i ngā tini putanga kētanga i te moana mō Aotearoa te take.

Ko Te Ohu Kaimoana mātau, e kotahi ana mātau ko ngā iwi haiwhai i ngā moemoeā mō te moana.

It is our privilege to present to iwi the Annual Plan of Te Ohu Kaimoana for the 2024/25 financial year; our fourth against our current five-year strategic plan.

Above is our kōrero about Te Ohu Kaimoana. It speaks to ourpurpose, our strength, our resolute belief in our culture and working with iwito pursue our people’s aspirations for the ocean. In what is a challenging timepolitically and socially for Māori – knowledge of and the ability to standstrong in your identity feels more important than ever. We are proud to be aMāori organisation and feel privileged to continue to serve our iwi.

Recently a major step forward for iwi has been achieved through the Royal Assent and passage into law of the Māori Fisheries Amendment Act (MFAA). This has been a 10-year journey so far and now we are excited to finally progress into the implementation phase of the MFAA. This will be a major focus and work plan for Te Ohu Kaimoana over the next two-years and we will endeavour to provide iwi with the best possible process and service throughout that period.

Another key piece of work for Te Ohu Kaimoana will be the completion and implementation of our kawa and tikanga-led approach to our relationship with moana. This framework is informed by our people and our customs. It is what makes us as Māori in the ocean space leaders and is something that is uniquely ours. It provides us the pathway to constantly improve and act as good and responsible ancestors ourselves.

To give effect to Te Ohu Kaimoana’s purpose and the four pou of the strategic plan, these are seven priorities we have identified for the2024/25 Financial Year:

1. Te Ohu Kaimoana will continue to focus ondelivering its core legislative duties and functions as the trustee of thefisheries and aquaculture settlements, to support iwi and to assist the Crownto discharge its settlement obligations under the settlements.
2. Te Ohu Kaimoana will provide expert technical advice to iwi throughout Aotearoa, on fisheries, aquaculture, relevant matters affecting the marine environment and the settlements.
3. Te Ohu Kaimoana will advocate on behalf of iwi, including monitoring and responding to matters in a way that reflects the relationship of iwi with their taonga, and that protects and enhances their rights.
4. Te Ohu Kaimoana will coordinate ongoing work between kāhui entities.
5. Te Ohu Kaimoana will support iwi in thetransition of arrangements under the Māori Fisheries Amendment Act.
6. Te Ohu Kaimoana will have an ongoing focus onthe development and wellbeing of its staff and directors.
7. Iwi are clear on, and have confidence in, the role of Te Ohu Kaimoana.

As always, there are a number of significant pieces of work which will require quality engagement with iwi, and we look forward to advancing these matters together.