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March 13, 2026
#regional: Hauraki Gulf Harvesting Ban Takes Effect as New Marine Protection Measures Begin
Matthew Tukaki
Posted On March 13, 2026
A new two-year fisheries closure covering parts of the Hauraki Gulf has officially come into force, marking a significant step aimed at protecting fragile coastal ecosystems and allowing marine life to recover.
The closure applies to selected coastal areas around Ōmaha Bay, Kawau Bay and the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, where harvesting of most intertidal species is now prohibited. The restrictions extend along sections of the shoreline and out to roughly 200 metres offshore in order to protect marine habitats that have come under pressure from increasing harvesting and environmental degradation.
Under the temporary ban, the collection of all seaweed and invertebrate species is not permitted. This includes commonly gathered shellfish and rockpool species such as pāua, pipi, mussels, oysters, crabs and a wide range of other marine organisms. The measure has been introduced to allow these species to regenerate after evidence of declining numbers in heavily accessed coastal areas.
The closure was approved following a request by Ngāti Manuhiri, who sought stronger protections for coastal ecosystems within their rohe. Fisheries New Zealand carried out a public consultation process before the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries confirmed the decision earlier this year.
Some species are not included in the restrictions. Kina can still be taken within existing recreational limits, while spiny rock lobster and scallops remain subject to separate fisheries rules already in place. Boating, diving and fin-fish fishing activities are also allowed to continue under normal regulations.
The temporary closure will remain in place for two years and is intended to give intertidal ecosystems time to recover while authorities monitor the health of marine life in the affected areas. The measure forms part of wider efforts to restore the ecological health and long-term sustainability of the Hauraki Gulf, one of Aotearoa’s most important coastal environments.
Officials say the restrictions highlight the growing need to balance recreational use of the coast with the protection of marine ecosystems that sustain both biodiversity and coastal communities.
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