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Source: ONE News -
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Ngai Tahu have introduced a permit system for commercial activities on Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere in Canterbury.
The iwi's central committee, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, said on Thursday the decision, supported by the Department of Conservation (DOC), has been made after extensive consultation with commercial fishing operators who use the Te Waihora lakebed.
"The welfare of Te Waihora has been of concern to most users of the lake for a number of years. As owners of the lakebed we have to take an active role in managing Te Waihora," Ngai Tahu chairman Mark Solomon said.
The new permit system did not affect recreational users or activities, he said.
The permit would authorise holders to carry out commercial activities on the Ngai Tahu-owned lakebed.
"Various stakeholders are publicly recognising that our efforts in this area are about protecting the resources of Te Waihora for future generations," Solomon said.
"DOC supports the introduction of a permit system, and appreciates that the monies that are raised will go directly to lake projects and will be on top of the funds we already allocate to Te Waihora."
The lakebed was returned to Ngai Tahu ownership as part of its deed of settlement with the Crown in 1998.
Since then Ngai Tahu has worked with DOC on a joint management plan for the lakebed and surrounding DOC-administered lands.
The main focus of the plan was to restore Te Waihora as a tribal food resource, and the lake environment for the use and enjoyment of all New Zealanders now and in the future, Solomon said.
"All funds generated by the commercial users permit will be used to administer the system and to fund enhancement projects so that we can maintain and enhance the Te Waihora environment."
Lake restoration projects include riparian planting, enhancement of kohanga areas, lake monitoring, research projects and enhancement of the fishery - mainly eels.
