Organisational Design
Photo Credit: Randall Bess
The recreational fishing sector is far more numerous, diverse and undefined than the commercial fishing sector and Iwi fishing interests. As a sector, recreational fishers remain largely unknown, except for a small proportion with membership to fishing and boating clubs.
In comparison, commercial fishing quotaholders and Mandated Iwi Organisations have representative organisations to speak on issues of importance.
The South Island working group acknowledged the inappropriateness of applying this same mandate standard to the South Island recreational fishing sector (e.g. defined population with majority rule). The group also acknowledged the futility and high cost of attempting to seek a mandate from the majority of the 100,000+ South Islanders who fish.
Instead, the working group focused on how Fish Mainland could best build a mandate for representation, based on a democratic electoral system. A Board of Directors will be elected by Fish Mainland members to represent all regions in the South Island and Stewart Island. The Board will also include two Directors appointed by Iwi, and two more Directors appointed by the Board based on their skills and expertise.
The Working Group’s initial focus is to ensure Fish Mainland has transparent and accountable governance arrangements through the Board of Directors and committees. The intent is to build Fish Mainland’s capability and capacity over time, starting with a CEO and Office Manager.
Over time, the capability will include roles in operations and communications and staff able to cover a range of duties, including policy, research, development, accounting, membership, coordination, fisher engagement and community events as outlined in the figure below. The intent is for a fully functioning Fish Mainland to have four to five full-time equivalent staff, plus contractors as required.