The abalone must have fresh ocean water to thrive and have been carefully managed for numbers, in order to not over-harvest and allow for growth (Abalone 2006).

Throughout the South Island there are 18 local r-nanga (committees). An elected representative from each r-nanga makes up Te R-nanga o Ng-i Tahu, the governing body overseeing the tribe's activities.

The executive functions of Te R-nanga o Ng-i Tahu are carried out by the Office of Te R-nanga o Ng-i Tahu which manages administration and monitoring and delivers social and cultural programs; and the Ng-i Tahu Holdings Corporation Limited, which manages commercial activities for the tribe (Ngai-Tahu, 2006)

The abalone industry in New Zealand has reached an important and critical time. With rumors of black market selling of abalones by the tribes, who are not considered bound by the nation's laws, there is a danger of its becoming an endangered source of food....
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