Marine, coastal and freshwater fisheries are culturally, ecologically, recreationally and economically important in New Zealand (NZ) and across the world. Over-exploitation of stocks has resulted in declining catches, particularly in the last 50 years, which has signalled the need for strategies to protect these valuable resources, while allowing sustainable exploitation. This article outlines an ambitious and novel community-led approach to engage regional stakeholders in local fisheries management, initiated and led by Ngāti Kahungunu (a Māori iwi or tribal grouping) in NZ. This initiative is a significant move away from today’s highly centralised national form of fisheries management, and is a step towards a regional form of management that is led by the community for the benefit of the community.