Community celebrates success of hapū-led marine protection

More than 250 locals and visitors have been left in awe at the abundance of marine life at Maitai Bay in the Far North.

The bay has been under a strict ‘no take’ rāhui for nearly nine years, since local hapū Te Whānau Moana me Te Rorohuri took action at the alarming decline in fish numbers.

To see the impact of the protections, the bay’s annual community snorkel day was hosted by Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust and Te Rangi-i-Taiāwhiaotia Trust on January 10. All up, 257 snorkelling attendees, 34 volunteers and 8 crew were involved.

Children and adults alike witnessed a huge range of marine species at close range. The event was funded by Water Safety NZ, with broader funding support from Foundation North.

Attendees left having connected closely with the environment and each other. “I learnt some useful tips, like using the boogey board [while snorkelling], and had quality time with my son,” said event participant Tony Kairua.

Recent monitoring by local hapū members and Kerr & Associates, with support from Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, shows the rāhui has resulted in a stunning comeback for marine species in the area.

“Snapper biomass has increased seven times over since the rāhui began. And it’s other species, too - crayfish, red moki, and wrasse are all returning. This is the Far North's Goat Island equivalent - it’s absolutely stunning to see how well fish diversity has returned and seaweed forests are recovering”, says Mountains to Sea Poutokomanawa (Director) Samara Nicholas.

For Whetu Rutene, Spokesperson for Te Rangi-i-Taiāwhiaotia Trust, the snorkel day represents another landmark in their vision to restore tapu and mana to the local environment.

“We’ve had some challenges, as well as some great successes…it’s rewarding on days like today, when we’re able to showcase what nine years of complete ‘no-take’ has done to this space.”

About the Maitai Bay Rahui

The Maitai Bay Rāhui, established in late 2017, is a community-led conservation initiative located on the Karikari Peninsula in Northland. It was born from the deep concerns of local iwi, specifically Ngāti Kahu, who observed a devastating decline in marine life, the loss of kelp forests, and the rise of 'kina barrens' in their ancestral waters.

Faced with dwindling fish stocks and environmental degradation, the local hapū, Te Whānau Moana me te Rorohuri, asserted their mana moana to implement a traditional enforced closure of the bay to all fishing and shellfish gathering. This grassroots movement was designed not just for ecological restoration, but to reconnect the community with sustainable traditional practices, ensuring that the mahinga kai ('food basket') remains full for future generations.

More info on the rahui, visit https://rahuimaitaibay.nz/

About Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust

Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust is a not-for-profit organisation that delivers marine and freshwater conservation and education initiatives. Through its two key programmes Experiencing Marine Reserves and Whitebait Connection, it engages more than ten thousand New Zealanders each year. For more, visit www.mountainstosea.org.nz

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