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Tradition and Environment at Maori Fish Event
In past Conferences the American and Chilean Ambassadors have been guest speakers, this year heading the list of international speakers are husband and wife Ernie and Wenona Victor of the Sto:lo Nation and Pilalt tribe in Canada. Together they will speak on how they have successfully rejuvenated the Salmon fisheries on their rivers while working shoulder to shoulder and implementing their tikanga alongside their federal law. From Australia, successful eel farmer Roger Camm, will express his views around future eel fishing opportunities for New Zealand.
Heading the local speaking list is Sir Tipene O’Reagan, who will be talking on development opportunities for fish farming. Ex All Black Michael Jones will share business opportunities for iwi and the Pacific Island nations. Bruce Sheppard founder of the New Zealand Shareholders Association will offer words of advice along side Wally Stone ex CEO of Ngai Tahu Holdings. Together they will talk on the current economic turmoil and highlight ways that Maori businesses should cope within this period. From the far north, traditional navigator - Hector Busby will talk about his passionate experiences on the pacific ocean, aboard ‘Te Aurere’ the first traditional waka hourua (double hulled voyaging canoe). Some of the cuisine will also be supplied by the Chatham Islands with the added entertainment also by the ‘Chatham Islands Bedtime’ Band.
The Conference is almost fully subscribed with only a few places left and although this is a Maori Conference, a good percentage of the attendees are non maori.
The Conference will be opened by the Hon Dr. Pita Sharples. Other Members of Parliament attending the conference are Minister of Fisheries Hon. Phil Heatly, Hon. Parekura Horomia and Rahui Katene.
The theme of this Conference is ‘Control or be Controlled’ which essentially means that Maori should ensure that environmental, cultural, recreational and commercial interests are well balanced so that we have a successful fisheries in 1000 years time. This may mean that the Ministry of Fisheries devolves some of its authority to iwi interests in order to effectively achieve that balance. At the moment its ‘dog fish eat dog fish’, ‘shark eat shark’, which will drive our industry into oblivion if we don’t control it now.
The two day conference will be held at the Napier War Memorial Conference Centre on 6-7th April. This venue has been a popular location to hold the conference. This year more workshops will take place to encourage more participation and discussion around specific issues.
TheFishSite News Desk
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