Mātaitai Submission

Ngāti Kuia has submitted an application to establish a mātaitai reserve within our rohe moana in the Marlborough Sounds. The proposed area spans Tītīrangi, Anakoha and Te Paruparu, around Motu Ngarara / Tītī and Poua Taikino, into Koeaea and back to Tītīrangi.

This application reflects the longstanding relationship Ngāti Kuia has with this wāhi tīpuna and its mahinga kai.

For generations our people have gathered kai from these waters and maintained connections through whakapapa, customary harvest, and kaitiakitanga. Today many whānau continue to visit the area, restore papakāinga, participate in wānanga, and harvest kaimoana.

The intent of the proposed mātaitai is to protect and enhance the mauri of the fishery, support customary use, and ensure the long-term wellbeing of Ngāti Kuia uri and future generations.

You can access our application below.

What is a mātaitai reserve?

A mātaitai reserve is a customary fisheries management area that recognises the relationship tangata whenua have with their traditional fishing grounds.

Mātaitai allow tangata whenua to support the sustainable management of fisheries according to tikanga and kaitiakitanga, helping ensure traditional food gathering areas remain healthy for future generations.

Establishing a mātaitai will help to:

• Protect and restore the mauri of the fishery
• Support customary harvest for Ngāti Kuia whānau
• Safeguard important mahinga kai areas
• Uphold kaitiakitanga within our rohe moana
• Ensure these fisheries remain healthy for mokopuna

Make a Submission

The Ministry for Primary Industries is inviting submissions on this application.

If you would like to support the Ngāti Kuia mātaitai application, a submission template has been provided below, which you can edit and send to: FMSubmissions@mpi.govt.nz

Submissions close on 20 April 2026.

Whānau are encouraged to share their support and connection to the area. Your submission might include memories of gathering kaimoana, observations about the moana, or why protecting this fishery matters for future generations.