Fishing in Maunganui Bay (Deep Water Cove) is against the law!

section 186a rules

(1) No person may take any species of fish, aquatic life, or seaweed, with the exception of kina, from Maunganui Bay while this notice is in force.

(2) In this clause,—

Kina means a shellfish of the species Evechinus chloroticus (also known as the sea egg) and includes the shellfish of the species Centrostephanus rodgersii (also known as the purple urchin)

GPS coordinates

Maunganui Bay means all that area of New Zealand fisheries waters enclosed by a line—

(a) commencing at Kariparipa Point (at 35°11.33′S and 174°17.59′E); then

(b) proceeding to the north-westernmost point of the rocks west of Kariparipa Point (at 35°11.36′S and 174°17.51′E); then

(c) proceeding generally south-west in a straight line to a point off the west side of Motuwheteke Island (at 35°12.01′S and 174°17.28′E); then

(d) proceeding generally south in a straight line to a point on the rocks outside the south entrance of Maunganui Bay (at 35°12.26′S and 174°17.32′E); then

(e) proceeding due east to the mean high-water mark; and

(f) proceeding along the mean high-water mark to the point of commencement.

What do I do if I see someone fishing within the Rahui area?

Some people are genuinely unaware of the Rahui in Maunganui Bay. Approach them and point out that it is a no-take area except for Kina until 13th October 2018 and ask them to stop fishing immediately. If they continue to fish, call 0508 4 POACHER (0508 4 476 224) and report the incident. Fines up to a maximum of $100,000 apply to anybody caught breaching the Rahui.

Where are the boundaries?

Refer to the chart and GPS above

Is the Rahui set down in law?

Yes. Temporary closures in the North Island are established under section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996 at the request of local tangata whenua. They can be put in place if the closure will improve the availability and/or size of fisheries resources in the area, or recognise a customary fishing practice in that area.

Download: Fisheries (Maunganui Bay Temporary Closure) Notice

How long is the Rahui in force for?

It is effective until 13th October 2020.

Are there fines for being caught fishing in the area?

Fines up to a maximum of $100,000 apply to anybody caught breaching the Rahui.

What is a Rahui?

This is a Maori customary management term with a variety of definitions, but in the context of marine resource protection a rahui usually means a temporary tapu or restriction of access imposed by the kaitiaki for that area. They can be enforced through a Gazette Notice made under s.186A of the Fisheries Act which can apply to specified species or specified methods, for up to two years at a time, and the restrictions apply to all persons.

Who can I talk to about the Rahui?

Patukeha Hapu - Richard Witehera Phone: 09 402 7009 Mobile: 027 2848081 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ngati Kuta Hapu - Robert Willoughby Phone: 09 403 7012 Mobile: 021 2714807 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.