Settlement blamed for loss of fishing rights

Press, 1 June 1989, Page 3

Settlement blamed for loss of fishing rights

By

JANE DUNBAR

Ngai Tahu fishing rights were sacrificed to the needs of European settlement, a Crown witness told the Waitangi Tribunal yesterday.

The Government did little to protect Ngai Tahu fishing rights but actively encouraged European settlement, said a Crown historian, Mr Tony Ward. The settlement, including land improvement schemes, led to the loss of Ngai Tahu access to fishing sites, he said.

In the 1840 s to 1870 s the Ngai Tahu had adequate fish resources for their own use and for ■supply to commercial markets.

European and Maori

fishing led to overfishing and a shortage of supplies.

By the end of the 1880 s, Otago Harbour, Lake Ellesmere and the bays of Banks Peninsula all showed signs of exhaustion. Other influences also had an impact on the resource.

The European principle of open access to the sea and its resources was allowed to dominate, and the rights of private ownership were emphasised. Land improvement schemes led to drainage and fencing which destroyed access to Ngai Tahu inland fishing sites.

The Crown ownership

of inland water, and the growth of acclimatisation societies, also had a significant impact on the Maori fishing resource.

There was no active financial encouragement to promote Maori fishing and fisheries, and there were probably even restrictions as a result of regulations. The Ngai Tahu had sought to assert their rights to certain fisheries and gain Government protection over them from the beginning of European settlement. The hearing continues today at the Quality Inn Chateau. The fishing industry will present its evidence.