Hauraki Gulf Iwi Secure Two-Year Extension for Shellfish Protection Measures

On 3 August 2026, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced the extension of harvesting bans for specific shellfish species across several areas of the Hauraki Gulf. The decision comes after formal requests from Ngāi Tai Ki Tamaki, Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust, and Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust to continue protective measures for another two years. The extensions, which officially take effect on 7 August 2026, apply to Umupuia Beach, Te Mātā and Waipatukahu, and the waters surrounding Waiheke Island. At Umupuia Beach, the take of cockles is prohibited between Te Puea and Whakakaiwhara Point. The Te Mātā and Waipatukahu closure covers cockles, mussels, oysters, and pipi, while the Waiheke Island mandate protects mussels, pāua, and packhorse rock lobster within one nautical mile of the coast. Minister Jones credited the move as a practical step toward replenishing marine life for future generations. The applicant iwi are members of the Pou Rāhui Research Project, an initiative that blends mātauranga Māori with contemporary scientific methods to restore taonga species. Jones noted that the project is actively training whānau in traditional skills and data collection to ensure customary fisheries remain sustainable through evidence-based leadership. The Minister commended the trusts for their kaitiakitanga, or guardianship, in managing these vital local fisheries. By incorporating traditional knowledge into the decision-making process, the groups aim to strengthen the long-term health of the broader Hauraki Gulf ecosystem.