24 Sep 2014

Iwi concerned at raids on seafood firm

7:13 pm on 24 September 2014

Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated is worried about the impact raids carried out at Hawke's Bay Seafoods will have on whanau.

Eighty-eight inspectors visited sites in Napier, Wellington, Tauranga, Gisborne, the Chatham Islands and Christchurch looking for documents that will back up suspected illegal fishing.

On the Hawke's Bay Seafoods website it says due to unforeseen circumstances, it is unable to pack any orders.

Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated's chairman, Ngahiwi Tomoana, says he is concerned about what the raids will mean for the 150 workers and their whanau, as they have already lost a day of mahi.

He said the company has been a valuable contributor to the economy and to the welfare of iwi members.

Mr Tomoana said he hoped the matter is sorted out quickly, so his people can go into the new fishing season starting on 1st October with confidence they will have job security.