27 May 2014

Iwi fishers want mining compo fund

7:17 am on 27 May 2014

A mining company is being asked to pay compensation if its operations affect fishing off the Taranaki coastline.

The body holding the fishing quota for iwi - Te Ohu Kaimoana - says the firm bidding to extract iron sand deposits should pay a bond up-front.

Trans-Tasman Resources wants to take iron ore from the sea off Patea.

In seeking a compensation fund, Te Ohu Kaimoana, argues fishing is a property right for iwi, and the Crown has an obligation under the Treaty of Waitangi to protect those rights.

The Environmental Protection Authority is due to make a decision on the iron sand mining proposal in June.

Trans-Tasman Resources said it was confident it will get the go-ahead.