Auckland’s west coast residents fear their beaches will become next rockpool harvesting hotspot
Auckland, New Zealand – Concerns are rising among coastal communities that increased harvesting of marine life could spread from areas recently placed under government restrictions. A two-year ban on taking shellfish and seaweed from rockpools along the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, Kawau Bay, and Ōmaha Bay is set to begin on March 12, 2026.
Iwi-Led Initiative and Community Fears
The ban was initiated by the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, utilizing section 186A of the Fisheries Act, a provision available to all iwi for their traditional areas. Nicola MacDonald, chief executive of the Trust, stated that growing population levels have led to unsustainable harvesting practices along the coastline, necessitating a period of recovery.
Luella Bartlett, founder of the community group Protect Piha Rockpools, expressed support for the ban on the east coast but fears it will simply displace harvesters to other vulnerable areas, specifically beaches like Piha, Muriwai, Te Henga, and Whatipu. Bartlett, a 20-year resident of Piha, noted a shift in what is being taken from the rockpools, from green-lipped mussels to a wider range of species including anemones, starfish, crabs, and seaweed.
Legal Harvesting and Proposed Solutions
Currently, recreational harvesters are legally permitted to collect up to 50 cockles, 150 sea urchins, 25 green-lipped mussels, 50 pipi, and 50 of any other shellfish per day. Bartlett advocates for a “no-take zone” designation for all intertidal areas – the space between high and low tide – to protect marine ecosystems. She recently met with Under Secretary for Oceans and Fisheries Jenny Marcroft, MP David Wilson, and Fisheries Officials at Maukatia Bay to discuss these concerns.
Bartlett also raised concerns about safety, citing the dangerous surf conditions on Auckland’s West Coast and the potential for increased rescues and even fatalities among those unfamiliar with the area. University of Auckland marine scientist Professor Andrew Jeffs corroborated these concerns, observing an increase in harvesters at a West Coast reef he prefers not to name, fearing further attention will worsen the situation. He recounted a similar pattern of depletion in a harbor sea cucumber hotspot over a two-and-a-half-year period.
Political Considerations and Past Protections
The issue has also touched on political sensitivities. Fisheries Minister Shane Jones’ comments regarding Asian communities during parliamentary question time drew criticism from other MPs. Bartlett emphasized that Protect Piha Rockpools focuses on legislation, not race or culture, as the issue spans multiple communities and has been ongoing for decades. In 1993, a rāhui (temporary ban) was successfully implemented on Karekare beach by local iwi Te Kawerau ā Maki, with community support, to protect dwindling shellfish stocks.
Te Kawerau ā Maki has been contacted for comment regarding a potential similar ban but has not yet responded. Shane Jones and Jenny Marcroft have also been contacted for comment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the two-year ban on harvesting?
The ban was prompted by the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, who determined that harvesting levels had become unsustainable due to population growth, and applied for the ban under the Fisheries Act.
What quantities of marine life can recreational harvesters currently collect?
Recreational harvesters can currently collect up to 50 cockles, 150 sea urchins, 25 green-lipped mussels, 50 pipi, and 50 of any other shellfish per day.
What are the concerns regarding the West Coast beaches?
There are concerns that harvesters displaced from the east coast will move to West Coast beaches, potentially stripping those areas bare and increasing safety risks due to the rough surf.
As the ban on the east coast approaches in 2026, it remains to be seen whether other communities will seek similar protections, and how effectively harvesting pressures can be managed across Auckland’s diverse coastline.