Customary Kaimoana

Our Ngāti Kuia whānau can now access Customary Kaimoana Authorisations for a wider range of kaupapa. Previously available only for hui and tangihanga, these customary rights have now been expanded through the South Island Customary fishing regulations 1999 (SICFregs) for:

• Hui
• Tangihanga
• Koha
• Pātaka kai
• Other

These rights and authorisations are an important legal tool that provides protection for those gathering kaimoana for customary purposes. They also ensure our iwi-led practices are recognised and protected under the SICFregs. Many whanau have been led to believe that we only use these authorisations for amounts over and above recreational daily limits, but all fishing for kai is customary, and we encourage you all to participate in this activity.

Who can issue permits?

Ngāti Kuia has now appointed Customary Kaimoana Kaitiaki who are able to issue authorisations across Te Kupenga o Kuia directly to whānau or by an electronic server.

These kaitiaki are:

• Raymond Smith (Anamahanga-based) – 027 253 5043
• Leroy Mason (Wairau-based) – 0272887809
• Teone Smith (Whakatū-based) – 0278273310
• John Hart (Wairau-based) – 0274055067
• Keelan Walker (Wairau-based) – 0210457714
• Shannon Huntley (Te Hoiere-based) – 0272676125

Please contact any of our kaitiaki above if you require a customary authorisation.

Interested in becoming a Customary Kaimoana Kaitiaki?

We currently have only one kaitiaki based in Whakatū. If you are a Ngāti Kuia whānau member based in the region and are interested in becoming a Customary Kaimoana Kaitiaki, please contact Raymond Smith by emailing raymond@ngatikuia.iwi.nz or calling 027 253 5043.

Reporting

All permits issued are now recorded through a formal reporting process. This helps us track and safeguard fish abundance and customary practices, helping protect our taonga for present and future generations to come.