New Zealand extends Hauraki Gulf shellfish bans for two years

New Zealand's Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced a two‑year extension of temporary closures on shellfish harvesting in parts of the Hauraki Gulf. The bans, requested by Ngāi Tai Ki Tamaki, Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust and Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust, will apply from 7 August 2026 to Umupuia Beach, Te Mātā and Waipatukahu, and Waiheke Island.

Umupuia Beach will be closed to the take of cockles; Te Mātā and Waipatukahu will be closed to cockles, mussels, oysters and pipi; Waiheke Island will be closed to mussels, pāua and packhorse rock lobster, with the exclusion of the Te Matuku Marine Reserve. The closures are part of the Pou Rāhui Research Project, which combines mātauranga Māori with modern scientific tools to restore marine taonga species and train whānau in traditional skills. Jones said the extension is a practical step to help replenish local shellfish for the benefit of current and future generations. More information and maps are available on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.