Ngāti Manuhiri welcomes historic closure on harvesting of seaweed and invertebrate species across Auckland’s east coast

Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust (the Trust) has welcomed the decision by Hon. Shane Jones, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, to impose a two-year closure on the harvesting of all seaweed species and invertebrates (an animal without a backbone) across Auckland’s east coast, under section 186A of the Fisheries Act. 

Nicola Rata-MacDonald MNZM, Chief Executive of the Trust, says that this historic announcement enables the Trust to continue its work to protect and restore the intertidal ecosystems along Auckland’s east coast, as part of its Te Au ō Moana strategy.

“We are delighted that the Minister has recognised the crisis along our coastline as the pressure on our rocky reefs and intertidal areas has grown over many years. This historic announcement is a positive and proactive step forward to continue our work, with government agencies, and local community support, to help monitor and maintain our rockpools for the foreseeable future,” she says.

“We are confident that the two-year closure will significantly enable the coastline to rest and regenerate. Our Te Au ō Moana strategy is a tikanga-based expression of kaitiakitanga (stewardship) guiding our decisions to protect taonga species and uphold mana moana.”

“It’s also been positively encouraging to see the strong community advocacy and support for our coastline. It takes a village to look after our oceans, and we have seen that commitment demonstrated by various groups including local people, communities, non-government organisations, and scientists, towards this important kaupapa.”

The Trust, as part of its formal application for a two-year prohibition, stated that it will also be placing a rāhui over the same area and species. A rāhui is a traditional Māori practice that places a temporary restriction on an area to protect species and ecosystems.

“As kaitiaki, we will place a rāhui across the same area, which draws on mātauranga Māori passed down through generations. Together with legislation, a rāhui brings the strengths of cultural practice and government regulation together for the benefit of all,” says Rata-MacDonald.

The two-year closure begins on Thursday 12 March 2026 and remains in effect until Sunday 12 March 2028. 

It closes the harvest of all seaweed species and invertebrates including shellfish, molluscs, crustaceans, anemones, and sea squirts. The closure area will also include the fisheries waters (offshore to 200 metres) within Ōmaha Bay, Kawau Bay, Whangaparāoa Peninsula.

The closure does not apply to spiny rock lobster and scallops as they are already prohibited. Kina (sea urchin) is also excluded and can still be taken within current recreational fishing limits.

During this time, Fisheries New Zealand will be responsible for its enforcement, and will explore how community volunteers can support visitors to abide by the closure. Infringements for breaching temporary closure rules will also be considered as an additional measure.