Mātaitai reserves are developed and managed by tangata whenua under the customary fisheries legislation and Fisheries Act 1996. Mātaitai reserves recognise and provide for the special relationship between mana whenua and traditional fishing grounds, and non-commercial customary fishing.
Mātaitai allow recreational fishing, but commercial fishing is not permitted unless special provision is made by the Minister of Fisheries.
Mātaitai reserves can have bylaws applying to non-commercial fishing practices, methods and catch limits. Link to Fisheries New Zealand website.