Today’s announcement that the government is seeking urgent advice on how to best deal with reports of unsustainable harvesting across Whangaparāoa Peninsula and other areas has been welcomed by Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust (the Trust).

“This is a welcome step to safeguard the future of our moana for the benefit of all,” says Nicola Rata-MacDonald MNZM, Chief Executive of the Trust.

The coastal ecosystems hold deep cultural, spiritual, and customary significance for Ngāti Manuhiri. In October 2025 the Trust submitted an application under section 186A of the Fisheries Act seeking 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.

“Our application responds to widespread ecological decline and community concern over the unsustainable harvesting of kaimoana and other intertidal species.”

The Trust maintains that the current level of shellfish and seaweed harvesting is unsustainable. While recent data shows recreational compliance at 93%, the sheer volume of daily harvesting under outdated rules is depleting the rock pools at an alarming rate.

“We are encouraged to see this matter afforded urgency, as proactive measures can have a significant impact on safeguarding the long-term sustainability of these taonga species.”

Ms Rata-MacDonald says that this application is part of the Trust’s broader tikanga-led strategy to protect and restore intertidal ecosystems. The full application can be found on the Trust’s website.

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