Matatā-based iwi Ngāti Rangitihi will vote this Saturday to decide whether they should take control of a $2.95M share in Te Arawa Fisheries assets.

The complex withdrawal process initiated by local iwi authority Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Trust is one step closer to completion after they successfully fulfilled mandating obligations via a preliminary vote last month. 

A hui will be held at Rangitihi Marae on 5 November 2011 for the iwi to vote on whether they agree to continue with the withdrawal process. 

Trust CEO Nick Alexander says the crucial ballot is the coastal iwi’s only chance to take control of its fisheries and aquaculture assets. “The withdrawal from Te Arawa Fisheries is a difficult and complex process. Unless we get 75% of the vote at the hui, Ngāti Rangitihi’s fisheries assets will continue to be managed by others and the opportunity to reclaim tino rangatiratanga over those assets will be lost.”

The Trust claims that withdrawal will ensure a better deal for all Ngāti Rangitihi members as more than $90,000 a year could be made available for iwi development, compared with the $20,000 the iwi currently receives through management of their assets by Te Arawa Fisheries.

“It’s about Ngāti Rangitihi determining their own future. We are more than capable of managing our own assets and ensuring that a better income leads to better outcomes for all Ngāti Rangitihi” said Mr Alexander.

The departure attempt from Te Arawa Fisheries by Ngāti Rangitihi follows a successful withdrawal by Taupo-based iwi Tūwharetoa. Te Puke iwi Tapuika have also initiated their own exit from the Te Arawa collective and other iwi groups are said to be considering their options.

The preliminary hui will commence with an overview at 10:30 am and people can come and cast their votes from 12:00-5:00pm. All Ngāti Rangitihi members over 18 years of age are encouraged to attend.

ENDS

For all media enquiries, please contact:

Oriini Tipene-Leach

Communications Manager

Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Trust

0800 AKATEA or 0800 252 832

P: 07 322 2452 extension 4

F: 07 3222 2453

E: communications@ngatirangitihi.iwi.nz

W: www.ngatirangitihi.iwi.nz