January 20, 2026

Shane Jones: Protecting Our Moana and the Start of the Political Year at Rātana

Dale Husband Posted On January 20, 2026

Dale Husband Shane Jones: Protecting Our Moana and the Start of the Political Year at Rātana

As Aotearoa begins its political calendar for 2026, critical conversations are emerging not only in marae and at parliamentary events, but also at the water’s edge – where rock pools and coastal ecosystems are under threat and communities are demanding action.

Reports from Whangaparāoa and surrounding coastlines describe a stark picture: once-vibrant rock pools and intertidal zones along beaches such as Army Bay and Okoromai Bay are being stripped of marine life at an unprecedented rate. Residents say groups are arriving daily with buckets and tools, removing shellfish and other small species indiscriminately – from limpets and snails to hermit crabs and anemones – leaving the pools “depleted” and “bare.”

Local environmental advocates point out that current rules and limits were designed for much lower volumes of recreational harvesting. Under the present framework, even mass daily removals can be technically compliant, despite the clear ecological damage.

Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust has applied for a two-year ban on harvesting all shellfish and seaweed from rock pools along Auckland’s eastern coastline – a proposal now under review by Fisheries New Zealand and soon headed to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries. Proponents say a temporary closure would allow marine life time to recover and ecosystems a chance to rebuild.

Fisheries New Zealand has increased patrols and inspections in the area – with compliance rates of around 93 percent – but environmental advocates insist that rule compliance alone isn’t enough to protect a sea that is disappearing faster than it can replenish.

While these environmental pressures intensify on the coast, political leaders and communities have begun gathering at Rātana Pā for the annual celebrations that many across Aotearoa regard as the true beginning of the political year.

Unlike the parliamentary calendar, which formally resumes later, the Rātana celebrations – held around the birthday of founder Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana – play a unique role in shaping the tone and priorities of national politics. Political figures from across parties attend to engage directly with Māori leaders, reaffirm commitments, and test their credibility on issues that matter deeply to Māori and wider communities.

In an election year like 2026, Rātana takes on even greater significance. It is a platform where parties begin to position themselves, articulate priorities, and demonstrate how they will address urgent concerns – from Treaty partnership and Māori wellbeing, to environmental protection and sustainable resource management.

The pressure on rock pools and coastal ecosystems is not just an environmental issue – it has become a political issue, one that will be watched closely in the months ahead. Communities are asking whether the Government and political parties are prepared to treat environmental stewardship with the same urgency as economic growth or social services.

The juxtaposition of Rātana’s political opening with grassroots environmental alarms highlights a fundamental question for decision-makers: How will we safeguard our taonga – both the moana and the ties that bind people and place – for future generations?

As rock pool depletion continues and political voices gather at Rātana and beyond, the coming months will be a test of leadership, accountability, and the depth of commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and environmental protection in Aotearoa.

Radio Waatea News will continue to report on both these interconnected kōrero – from the shores to the marae and halls of power.