The Government has moved to protect customary shellfish beds in the Hauraki Gulf while simultaneously advancing offshore petroleum exploration, highlighting the competing pressures of environmental protection, customary fisheries and economic development.

Speaking with Dale Husband on Radio Waatea, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones defended the Government’s approach, arguing that New Zealand is capable of pursuing both conservation and responsible resource development.

The interview also touched on recent political tensions following exchanges between the Green Party and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters. Jones dismissed suggestions the controversy reflected a broader crisis in New Zealand politics.

“People are catastrophising,”

“People are catastrophising,” he said, arguing that while political debate had become heated, New Zealanders expected robust exchanges and that attention should remain focused on substantive policy issues affecting the country.

Shellfish Protections Extended at Iwi Request

Jones confirmed the Government has extended temporary shellfish harvesting bans across parts of the Hauraki Gulf for a further two years following requests from local iwi seeking to restore depleted customary fisheries.

The extended temporary closures include:

• Umupuia Beach, where the collection of cockles remains prohibited.
• Te Mātā and Waipatukahu, where the harvesting of cockles, mussels, oysters and pipi continues to be banned.
• Waiheke Island, where the collection of mussels, pāua and packhorse rock lobster remains prohibited, excluding the Te Matuku Marine Reserve.

Jones said the extensions recognise the importance of allowing shellfish populations to recover while supporting iwi-led efforts to restore traditional food gathering areas.

The temporary closures, commonly referred to as rāhui under fisheries regulations, are designed to protect customary fisheries and ensure future generations can continue to harvest kaimoana from healthy marine ecosystems.

The interview also addressed the Government’s recent decision to grant the country’s first new offshore petroleum exploration permit since the previous exploration ban was lifted.

The move has attracted strong criticism from environmental organisations and opposition parties, who argue expanding fossil fuel exploration conflicts with New Zealand’s climate commitments and marine protection goals.

Jones rejected the suggestion the two decisions were contradictory.

He argued fisheries management and petroleum exploration operate under separate regulatory frameworks and said New Zealand could continue protecting sensitive marine environments while responsibly developing offshore energy resources where appropriate.

Jones said resource development remains an important contributor to regional economies and employment, particularly as New Zealand seeks to strengthen energy security and economic resilience.

The decisions have reignited debate over how Aotearoa should balance environmental stewardship, customary rights and economic opportunity.

For Māori, the discussion carries particular significance, with customary fisheries representing not only an economic resource but also an expression of whakapapa, tikanga and kaitiakitanga.

While environmental groups continue to oppose new offshore exploration, many iwi have also emphasised the importance of restoring traditional shellfish beds through rāhui and sustainable fisheries management.

Jones said the Government’s role is to ensure both objectives can coexist through evidence-based regulation rather than ideological positions.

As debate over energy, climate and resource management intensifies ahead of the 2026 General Election, the challenge of balancing conservation with economic development is likely to remain one of the country’s defining political issues.

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