The changing of the tide – iwi take the helm of Māori fisheries entities

As of 26 July 2026, iwi have officially taken direct control of the process for appointing directors to Māori fisheries settlement entities Aotearoa Fisheries Limited (trading as Moana New Zealand) and Te Ohu Kaimoana through the implementation and commencement of the Māori Fisheries Amendment Act 2024 (MFAA), marking the largest reform of Māori fisheries governance in over 20 years.

Moana New Zealand is the largest Māori-owned seafood company in Aotearoa and also owns 50% of the largest deepwater fishing company in Aotearoa, Sealord Group Limited (in partnership with Japanese company Nissui Corporation). The actualisation of these amendments is a result of the resolutions and vision of iwi following a statutory review of the Māori fisheries settlement entities in 2015, which sought to move iwi towards a greater level of rangatiratanga in fisheries.

“This is an exceptionally proud moment and achievement for Māori, a testament to the contribution of a vast number of people over the past decade, and the original fight and work of the settlement negotiators in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This is the evolution and progression of the Māori fisheries settlement, where the power rightfully shifts directly back into the hands of those it belongs. It truly provides iwi with an increased and tangible sense of control and responsibility.”, says Pahia Turia, Tumu Whakarae (Chair) of Te Ohu Kaimoana.

The MFAA disestablishes former statutory governance body, Te Kāwai Taumata, which had the responsibility of appointing directors to Te Ohu Kaimoana, and who then appointed the directors of Moana New Zealand. Mandated and Recognised Iwi Organisations and Representative Māori Organisations will now vote for and appoint directors to Te Ohu Kaimoana, while iwi Asset Holding Companies will vote for and appoint directors to Moana New Zealand.

From the 27 July 2026, Asset Holding Companies will receive the 20% shareholding previously held by Te Ohu Kaimoana, allocated in proportion to their existing shareholdings in Aotearoa Fisheries Limited.

Te Ohu Kaimoana has developed an implementation plan and will continue to support its stakeholders to oversee the establishment of director appointment models and the inaugural appointment cycles for both Te Ohu Kaimoana and Aotearoa Fisheries.