December 02, 2015
Te Ohu Kaimoana coup points to rough waters
Labour’s fisheries spokesperson Rino Tirikatene is concerned the dumping of Matiu Rei as chair of Te Ohu Kaimoana could cause turbulence as the Maori fisheries settlement trust tries to navigate a course ahead.
The Maori fisheries electoral college Te Kawai Taumata decided not to reappoint the Ngati Toa leader after just one term at the helm.
Long-serving trustees Sonny Tau and Rikirangi Gage were also dropped, with Ngati Porou chair Selwyn Parata, Rangimarie Hunia from Ngati Whatua and Paki Rawiri from Waikato joining the board.
Mr Tirikatene, who worked in the industry before entering parliament, says Mr Rei was the toka tu moana or rock, bringing stability, common sense and maturity to the table.
He says there’s clearly a push by some large iwi like Ngati Porou to take greater control of the fisheries settlement.
"I’ve been a staunch supporter of Te Ohu because it's got 20 plus years of experience of representing iwi Maori katoa in all fisheries matters, that is above any local iwi issues that obviously iwi are passionate about. We do need that voice and certainly hope with these changes we don't see a full dismantling of Te Ohu," he says.
Rino Tirikatene says all three former directors are known for their knowledge of te reo and tikanga Maori.
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