For coastal hapu, kaimoana is vital to sustain the mauri (life force) of tangata whenua.  Fisheries have provided a food source since the arrival of Maori on the North Island West Coast region and the ability to provide hospitality (manaakitanga) to manuhiri (visitors).
 

The North West  region covers the traditional landing places of the Aotea and Tainui waka hundreds of years ago. The lands here are home to a number of iwi and hapu, many of whom trace their ancestry back to these waka.
 
Species particularly valued by tangata whenua include grey mullet, snapper, kahawai, flatfish, small sharks, eels, kina, mussels, scallops, toheroa, pipi, cockles and tuatua.