Associate Professor Paul Kayes, Kia Maia Ellis and James (Hemi) O’Callaghan will discuss the Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga research project they are leading - “An investigation into the fisheries resources and interests of iwi, hapū and marae within Tauranga Moana and the impacts caused by the grounding of the CV Rena”. This research aims to assess the status of selected taonga shellfish (including pipi, tuatua, kina and pāua) resources within the Rohe Moana o Tauranga Moana, and the impacts caused by the grounding of the cargo vessel Rena on these fisheries and iwi ability to manage them. The Rena grounding highlighted to iwi the threats posed by environmental disasters to traditional fisheries. In this case, fisheries were closed along the coast and at times, from Waihī to Pukehina. Rubbish, oil and containers washed ashore from Waihī to Te Kaha highlighting the widespread effects on coastlines and fisheries. This case study serves as an example for all iwi across the country in regards to fisheries management and impacts caused by environmental disasters of this scale.

Associate Professor Paul Kayes is Principal Investigator on this project and Academic Registrar and Director of Te Whare Taiao – Institute of Indigenous Science at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. He has responsibility for implementing the Institute’s strategic plan and through that working with iwi especially in areas such as marine biology and customary fishing. He has developed a range of new science programmes at Awanuiārangi. Previously he was Head of the Applied Sciences School at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic. In 2005 he received the Award for Excellence from the Polytechnic for establishing the Pacific Coast Research Centre.