Our identity
We are part of the Māori Fisheries Settlement and were established to advance Māori interests in freshwater fisheries. Freshwater fisheries includes species, habitat, surrounding land, water column, water quality and quantity. Protecting Māori interests in freshwater fisheries ultimately means protecting habitat to ensure quality water and abundant species.
Our purpose
To advance Māori interests in freshwater fisheries through:
- Undertaking and/or funding research, development and education in the field of freshwater fisheries and their habitats;
- Promoting the protection and enhancement of freshwater fisheries and their habitats;
- Promoting the establishment of freshwater fisheries; and
- Using resources to bring direct and indirect benefits to Māori in respect of freshwater fisheries interests.
Our values
These values represent the natural order of our world view. First and foremost, we value freshwater and all that is encompassed in its ecosystems. The inherent right for water to exist in its own state. Whakapapa recognises our interdependence which binds us as tangata whenua of the environment and kaitiakitanga, our obligation to care for Papatūānuku.
Te Mana o Te Wai (reflecting that freshwater ecosystems come first)
Whakapapa (reflecting the connection between whānau, hapū and iwi and the environment)
Kaitiakitanga (reflecting whānau, hapū and iwi obligations as descendants of Papatūānuku).