Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust (the Trust) has formally submitted its application for a two-year prohibition on the harvesting of all shellfish and seaweeds from rockpools across the eastern coastline of the Rodney Local Board and Hibiscus Local Board areas, made under section 186A of the Fisheries Act.

Nicola Rata-MacDonald MNZM, Chief Executive of the Trust, says that this application is part of the Trust’s broader tikanga-led strategy to protect and restore intertidal ecosystems.

“Ngāti Manuhiri have been working with government agencies for many years to protect our coastline. In 2010, Whangateau Harbour was closed to cockle and pipi harvesting, but pressures on other parts of our rohe have only grown.” Nicola says.

“Since 2018, our Trustees and members have been considering further options to protect shellfish and other taonga species. COVID-19 temporarily paused this kōrero, but the need has become more urgent as pressure on our rocky reefs and intertidal areas has grown.”

Alongside the section 186A closure application, Ngāti Manuhiri will also be placing a rāhui over the same area. A rāhui is a traditional Māori practice that places a temporary restriction on an area to allow species and ecosystems to rest and regenerate.

“The Trust’s monitoring programme is already underway to support the application, which seeks to establish a baseline of ecological and cultural data that will help to measure the impact of a closure and inform ongoing monitoring efforts.” Nicola says.

“Placing a rāhui is an expression of our role as kaitiaki and draws on mātauranga Māori passed down through generations.

“While a rāhui itself is not a legal closure, it works with legislation to bring the strengths of cultural practice and government regulation together.”

The application will now be considered by the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Hon Shane Jones, who will determine the ultimate period and extent of the closure. Should the application be successful, Fisheries New Zealand will be responsible for its enforcement, with the local community able to support this mahi by applying to become honorary fisheries officers.

The Trust’s application and cover letter are attached and available for download at ngatimanuhiri.iwi.nz

Note

Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust is the post settlement governance entity (PSGE) responsible for representing the Ngāti Manuhiri hapū and iwi members, giving effect to the Ngāti Manuhiri Claims Settlement Act 2012. Established in 2011, the Trust is committed to ensuring a prosperous future for Ngāti Manuhiri whānau.

Our rohe, moana, and interests are across Te Moananui-ā-Toi including the inner and outer islands and rocky outcrops from Aotea, to Te Paepae o Tu, to Hauturu, and Takapuna. Te Moananui-ā-Toi is the greater oceans encompassing the Hauraki Gulf and Hauraki marine park and so, we refer to the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana as Te Moananui-ā-Toi.

The Trust’s work centres on the protection of the taiao, reinvigoration of community purpose and service, maintenance of cultural integrity and investing to support the economic prosperity of future generations. 

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