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It is ironic that Te Hiko, previously opposed to land sales, should be remembered chiefly for the sale of his fishing rights in Lake Wairarapa to the government. It is clear that he had important rights over the lake. While they were not exclusive, decisions about the lake had to include him. In particular, he was the guardian of its fishing resources. Maori and Pakeha interests were in conflict over the lake. The government was eager to control the outlet, to keep the bar open and so reduce the flooding of fertile lands. Maori opposed this, because one of their major resources, the eel harvest, was at its best when the lake was in flood.
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