Leaders in iwi and Māori fisheries are worried about climate change and how badly it may hit them.
Te Ohu Kaimoana chief executive Dion Tuuta Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
The topic was a focus at the Māori Fisheries Conference in Auckland on Wednesday, where more than 300 people gathered.
Te Ohu Kaimoana (Māori Fisheries Trust) chief executive Dion Tuuta said climate change was a big deal for groups such as the Iwi Chairs Forum and Māori businesses.
"They are all seriously looking at what the effects of climate change are going to be, both in the ocean, and on land," he said.
Mr Tuuta said the vast majority of Māori assets and Māori businesses were still related to the primary sector, be it farming or fisheries.
"The negative effects of climate change are going to have probably a more significant impact on the Māori community than those who are not necessarily involved in those sectors.
"So, a lot of them are very worried about climate change and its effects and are preparing action plans and strategies now."
Mr Tuuta said they were raising their concerns with government agencies and seeking insights from other indigenous peoples.