13 Sep 2012

Iwi collective wants more of its people in fishing industry

7:30 pm on 13 September 2012

A partnership of North Island iwi with fish quota assets says while it has big ambitions of becoming more active in fishing, more of its people need to be working in the industry.

The Iwi Collective Partnership is made up of 12 North Island iwi with fish quota gained in the 2004 Treaty of Waitangi fisheries settlement.

This week the collective launched a new scholarship with fishing company Sanfords, as a way of encouraging Maori into fishing.

The collective's manager Maru Samuels says the iwi has some big dreams about its involvement in the fishing industry, which include owning fishing vessels.

However, he says there is no point if there aren't the people to work on the ships.

Mr Samuels says the scholarship will offer two places on Sanford fishing vessels this year for anyone from any of the 12 iwi.

He says they must be over the age of 18, fit and healthy, and have the right attitude.

He says it's likely to lead to full-time employment.